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Over 40 Indians killed in Kuwaiti baze

Those who have sustained injuries are admitted and treated in five government hospitals in Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer and Jahra…reports Asian Lite News

Around 40 Indians are understood to have died and over 50 are injured in a tragic fire incident at a labour housing facility in the Mangaf area of Kuwait on Wednesday, the Ministry of External Affairs said.

The people who have sustained injuries are admitted and treated in five government hospitals in Kuwait: Adan, Jaber, Farwaniya, Mubarak Al Kabeer and Jahra hospitals.

Citing the hospital authorities, the MEA reported that most of the admitted patients are stable.

“The Embassy is ascertaining the full details from the concerned Kuwaiti authorities and the company. We offer our deepest condolences to the bereaved families,” the MEA said in a release on Wednesday night.

Following the incident, the Ambassador of India in Kuwait, Adarsh Swaika, immediately visited the location of the incident and also the hospitals to ascertain the welfare of the Indian nationals.

“The Embassy continues to coordinate with local authorities to assist Indian nationals who have been injured in this unfortunate incident and extend all possible support,” the MEA release said, noting that the Embassy is receiving full cooperation from the Kuwaiti authorities.

“On the directions of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh is immediately travelling to Kuwait to work towards early repatriation of mortal remains as well as for medical assistance to those injured,” the release added.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Kuwait continues to remain in touch with local authorities to provide relief to those affected in the incident.

The Embassy has established a helpline +965-65505246 (WhatsApp and regular call) for family members to get in touch. Regular updates are being provided through the helpline.

Earlier, soon after the news of the fire incident in Kuwait broke out, Prime Minister Modi chaired a review meeting and announced an ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh from the Prime Minister Relief Fund to the families of deceased Indian nationals.

PM Modi expressed his deep sorrow at the unfortunate incident and extended condolences to the families of the deceased. He further wished for the speedy recovery of those injured and assured all possible assistance from the Indian government.

According to the Prime Minister’s Office official statement, “The meeting was chaired at his residence at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, New Delhi.”

“Prime Minister announced ex-gratia relief of Rs 2 lakh to the families of deceased India nationals from the Prime Minister Relief Fund,” the statement added.

The Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar, the Minister of State for External Affairs Kirtivardhan Singh, the PM’s Principal Secretary, Pramod Kumar Mishra, the National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra and other senior officials were also present in the meeting.

โ€˜Shameer had visited eight months agoโ€™

The Kuwait fire incident claimed the lives of around 40 Indian workers and among them is 30-year-old Shameer, hailing from Sooranad village in Kerala’s Kollam district.

Safedu, Shameer’s relative, said, “He (Shameer) left here five years ago. He works for a company in Kuwait run by three people from Pathanamthitta. Two years ago, he came back and got married, and it’s been eight months since he left again.”

Shameer worked as a heavy vehicle driver in Kuwait. The family learned about the incident at 11:00 am on Wednesday, the relative said.

“Najeeb, who works with Shameer and lives a kilometre away, informed us. We contacted several people in Kuwait. He was pronounced dead after being taken to the hospital. The body is currently at a government hospital. No official information has been provided yet,” Safedu said.

He further said that the people in Kuwait are keeping them informed.

“Shameer’s wife and mother have not been told about his death; they have been told he is in the ICU. We have been informed that the Finance Minister will visit in the coming days. MP Kodikunnil Suresh called, and we request that the central and state governments intervene to bring Shameer’s body back home as soon as possible,” Safedu said.

Jalaludeen, Najeeb’s father, who survived the fire, said that his son broke his leg while he was trying to escape the fire.

“Najeeb has been in Kuwait for four years. He called and informed me that a building caught fire in Kuwait and that Shameer had died. My son Najeeb jumped from the second floor to escape and broke his leg, but he said there were no other major issues.”

Jalaludeen further said that his son couldn’t come home immediately as he needs to complete his treatment and other formalities.

“I learned from the news channel that 11 people died. We didn’t get any information from anyone in Kuwait. I found out that it was a company run by Malayalees. Najeeb’s treatment is ongoing in coordination with the embassy,” Jalaludeen said.

Al Ameen, Najeeb’s brother said, “I video-called my brother in the afternoon. Someone knocked on the door, and when they opened it, there was smoke. After that, he grabbed his phone and jumped from the building. His leg is broken. By evening, he had been moved to his camp. He called home a little while ago and spoke with his wife. Those near his room were saddened when they learned about the deaths.”

Shanavas, a friend of Shameer and Najeeb, informed that he received the information of fire on the morning of June 12. “I found out about the incident this morning. It was a huge shock. Learning that Shameer had died was devastating. When I heard that Najeeb had survived, I called and spoke to him. I didn’t know what to say. I’m still in shock.” (ANI)

ALSO READ-Kerala Mourns 13 Victims of Kuwait Fire

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Britain issued maximum number of visas to Indians in 2022

The British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis praised the scheme calling it an “excellent opportunity for India’s brightest young people”…reports Asian Lite News

India topped the list of countries to which the United Kingdom issued the most number of visas in 2022. The UK issued 2,836,490 visas last year, with 25% of those going to Indian nationals. This included a record number of student visas from India, which saw a 73% increase in 2021. Additionally, work visas issued to Indian nationals increased by 130%. India also had the largest share of visit visas, with 30% of the world’s visit visas being issued to Indians.

Earlier, British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis took to Twitter to announce the same.

Despite the talk around stricter immigration policies, the UK government has taken steps to invite more migrants to the country. The India-UK Young Professionals Scheme is an example of this, as it aims to attract young graduates from India to live, study, travel and work in the UK for up to two years. This is a positive move towards strengthening the relationship between India and the UK, as it allows for cultural exchange and injects expertise into both economies.

The eligibility criteria for the scheme seem reasonable, requiring applicants to have a bachelor’s degree or above and possess a minimum amount of savings. It is also important that applicants do not have any serious criminal convictions and meet the English language requirement, which ensures that they can integrate into UK society and contribute positively to the economy.

The British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis praised the scheme calling it an “excellent opportunity for India’s brightest young people”.

India has a wealth of talented individuals, and it is important to provide them with opportunities to develop their skills and gain experience in other countries. The UK benefits from the contributions of Indian students and professionals to its economy, and it is important to continue to build on this relationship.

The announcement came even as India and Britain opened their visa application process for students to apply for the new Young Professionals Scheme (YPS) under the India-UK Migration and Mobility partnership.

Launched last month, the scheme allows Indian citizens between 18 and 30 years old to live and work in the UK for up to two years.

ALSO READ-UK govt proposes bill to deport illegal asylum seekers

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Indians get top share of UK ‘worker’ visas

For student visas, there were 127,731 grants to main applicant Indian nationals in the year ending September 2022, an increase of 93,470 (+273 per cent) compared to 2019 (34,261).

The British High Commission to India on Friday said Indian nationals continued to be the top nationality to be granted ‘worker’ visas, accounting for 39 per cent of the total.

“Indian nationals also continue to be the top nationality granted ‘Worker’ visas, accounting for 39 per cent of the total with 56,042 visas issued. An increase of 26,490 (+90 per cent) as compared to 2019 (29,552),” British High Commission said. The Commission further said for student visas, there were 127,731 grants to main applicant Indian nationals in the year ending September 2022, an increase of 93,470 (+273 per cent) compared to 2019 (34,261).

Earlier, in October, British High Commissioner to India Alex Ellis said they were on track to get back to processing India-to-UK visa applications “within our standard of 15 days”.

“We are on track to get back to processing India to Great Britain #visa applications within our standard of 15 days,” tweeted Ellis.

India has now overtaken China as the largest nationality being issued sponsored study visas in the UK.

The latest UK Immigration Statistics, published on August 25, showed that nearly 118,000 Indian students received a student visa in the year ending June 2022 — an 89 per cent increase from the previous year. India has overtaken China as the largest nationality being issued sponsored study visas in the UK.

The UK continued to be a popular destination for Indian holidaymakers too, as India nationals accounted for the highest proportion (28per cent) of visitor visas granted. More than 258,000 Indian nationals received visit visas in the year ending June 2022 — a 630 per cent increase compared to the previous year (when travel restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic were still in place).

In the year ending June 2022, Indias also received nearly 103,000 work visas (which includes skilled and seasonal workers) — a 148 per cent increase over the previous year.

India nationals also continue to be the top nationality granted skilled worker visas, accounting for 46 per cent of all skilled work visas granted globally. (ANI)

ALSO READ: New Indian visa centre opens in London

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Stranded Indians in Ukraine take to bunkers

He also said that bombing is continuing on the outskirts of Kharkiv since Saturday morning…reports Amresh Srivastava

As Russian troops continue to move deeper into the Ukrainian territory, the small Indian community threatened by the crossfire finds itself virtually pushed to the wall.

Besides other uncertainties, Indian nationals in Ukraine face scarcity of food and other issues even as bombings in cities escalate.

Kharkiv is in the northeast of Ukraine, around 500 km east from capital Kiev. Among others, it is inhabited by about 100 Indian businessmen. They have been living in the city for the past two to three decades. Most of them are engaged in trading or have big grocery shops in the embattled city.

Dinesh Singh, a native of Shikohabad in Uttar Pradesh, is one of them. He has been living in Kharkiv for the last 25 years. He along with his wife and 12-year-old son has moved into a bunker near his house. Two other Indian families have also taken shelter into the bunker like him.

Singh said, “We woke up with the sound of bombing on February 24 and were forced to take shelter in the nearby bunker. It is just 8×7 feet in size. Two other Indian families are also with us.”

He also said that bombing is continuing on the outskirts of Kharkiv since Saturday morning.

“The bunker is small for nine people and we often have to go upstairs to get a whiff of fresh air. The tiny shelter has only one bulb connection to illuminate the makeshift facility. We can’t lie on the floor, so we are taking a nap only while sitting,” he added.

Singh said that all shopping malls and grocery shops are closed now and they are left with ration that will sustain for a week or so.

“We will see what happens after a week (about ration and other essential supplies). There was a big queue at ATMs and long traffic jams on highways because many people are fleeing to the Romanian border to get refuge in the neighbouring country, as the war seems to be unrelenting,” Singh said.

A motor spare parts trader, Singh stays in Street Geroev Pratsi in Kharkiv. The small residential enclave houses around 100 homes. Their inhabitants are now forced to take shelter in safer zones and spend the nights in bunkers.

Singh’s wife Anita said that the electricity supply has not been disrupted so far despite the bombings. She thinks this to be a big relief since the temperature hovers around two to three-degree Celsius in Kharkiv.

She does not seem to be scared and says that she would stay there only. Yet, she urged the Indian authorities to evacuate the stranded Indian students at earliest.

Singh further said that around five to six thousand medical students are studying in the Kharkiv National Medical College and as of now they are taking shelter in the basements of their hostels, bunkers near their private accommodations or at underground metro stations along with other Ukrainians.

According to him, about 100 Indian businessmen are living in Kharkiv who own shops in local malls, big grocery stores, pharmaceutical shops and other trading outlets.

The Indian community staying there feels that the situation will be eased by March 5 or 6 as the Ukrainian forces are still resisting amid heavy bombing by the Russian forces.

Singh and his wife, however, evaded questions about the political future that awaits Ukraine.

Sharing his experience, Singh said that at least two to four feet-long unexploded rockets can be seen stuck at little distances through the main streets of the city.

Yet, the Indian community in Ukraine seems to have adopted a wait and watch policy as its members hope that the result of this war may not affect their lives and businesses.

ALSO READ-China backtracks on Ukraine stance?

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MEA sets up control room to help Indians in Ukraine

The MEA said a control room has been set up in the ministry to provide information and assistance…reports Asian Lite News

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Wednesday set up a control room to provide information and assistance to Indian nationals in Ukraine in view of the prevailing situation in that country over its tensions with Russia.

In addition, the Indian embassy in Ukraine has also set up a 24-hour helpline for the Indians in the eastern European nation.

Separately, the Indian embassy in Kyiv said it has been receiving calls about the non-availability of flights from Ukraine to India and advised Indians not to panic, but book the earliest available and convenient flights to travel home.

โ€œThe embassy of India has been receiving several appeals about non-availability of flights from Ukraine to India. In this regard, students are advised not to resort to panic, but book the earliest available and convenient flights to travel to India,โ€ it said in a statement.

It said the Ukrainian International Airlines, Air Arabia, Fly Dubai and Qatar Airways are operating flights at present from Ukraine.

โ€œTo meet the additional demand, more flights are being planned in the near future, including from Ukrainian International Airlines, Air India, etc. Details on the same would be shared by Embassy as and when confirmed,โ€ the embassy said.

The embassy on Tuesday advised Indian citizens, especially the students, to temporarily leave that country in view of the uncertainties of the current situation.

It also asked Indian nationals to avoid all non-essential travel to and within Ukraine.

The MEA said a control room has been set up in the ministry to provide information and assistance.

The contact details of the control room in Delhi are: Phone +91 11 23012113, +91 11 23014104, +91 11 23017905 and 1800118797 (toll free). Email: situationroom@mea.gov.in.

The contact details of the helpline in the Indian embassy in Ukraine are: Phone, +380 997300428 +380 997300483, Email: cons1.kyiv@mea.gov.in.

Official sources said the government is exploring the possibility of increasing the number of flights between India and Ukraine to facilitate the return of Indians from that country.

Discussions are underway with civil aviation authorities and various airlines on how to increase the number of flights between India and Ukraine, the sources said.

According to an official document in 2020, Ukraine had a small but vibrant Indian community and there were about 18,000 Indian students studying in that country. The data is likely to vary in view of the pandemic.

The embassy issued the advisory amid escalating tension between Moscow and the NATO countries over Russiaโ€™s increasing military build-up close to the Ukrainian border.

The US has already sent extra troops to Europe to support its allies in the backdrop of fears of a Russian invasion of Ukraine.

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