Hyderabad: The Union Ministry of External Affairs has printed handbooks to create awareness of what job-seekers from Telangana should know when working in Gulf countries. The handbooks in Telugu and Urdu have colourful illustrations and easily understandable text explaining the culture and traditions of the host country and what to do and not do.
In Saudi Arabia, for example, Sharia (Islamic) law is strictly implemented and violators face strict punishment. The handbook explains how to communicate or making friendly gestures with others. The ban on alcohol and pork and conduct in public are explained.
M. Bheem Reddy of the Migrants Rights Coun-cil requested the authorities to supply the handbooks in large numbers to government offices in districts from where migration to Gulf countries is high. Included also are Arabic translation of commonly used words and phrases.
The handbook gives a checklist of all documents that a Gulf-bound emigrant has to carry before leaving, and what documents and contact information he has to leave with his family, what to pack and what not to pack for the journey, how to check-in at the airport and how to behave on flight. Procedures like getting the visa stamped and completing immigration formalities after landing are also explained.
It instructs citizens to contact the Indian Embassy and register themselves after they reach their destination.
Amjad Hussain, vice-president of the Golden Telangana Welfare Association, that has a presence in most of the Gulf countries, welcomed the initiative.
