NIZAMABAD: For the last couple of days, hundreds of Telugus thronged the Indian embassy in Kuwait, to return to their homes.
In this backdrop, Kuwaiti authorities declared ‘residency amnesty’ to illegal immigrants, especially Indians, including those from Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. There are a sizeable number of women among the illegal immigrants from India.
In search of employment, Telugus had began to reach Kuwait four decades ago. It is believed that around five lakh people from two Telugu states were living in Kuwait. Around 50,000 Telugu people have been suffering from a lack of official documents in Kuwait. This included gullible youth who were cheated by agents and owners in Kuwait.
Lack of passports, iqamas (residence permit), batakas (identity card) forced illegal migrants to land behind bars. They were unable to live comfortably in Kuwait or return to their home towns.
So, the Kuwait government permitted illegal immigrants to leave the country from January 29 to February 22 without any punishment or penalties.
Speaking to this correspondent, Gulf Telangana welfare and cultural association official spokesman, P. Basanth Reddy, said that officials from the Indian embassy will issue ‘out-passes’ for illegal immigrants which they can submit at the immigration office. After verifying cases against the applicants, Kuwait immigration authorities will permit them to fly to India, he explained.
He said that Indians should utilise this opportunity to reach home safely.
