More growth-less politics, NRI voting rights, lower customs duties high on NRI wish-list
With five days to go before the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the UAE, it might come as surprise to many that the visit has not yet been officially announced.
As the countdown began for the visit, however, non-resident Indians (NRIs) in the UAE are keen for Modi to address some of their long-standing demands.
Speeding up implementation of NRI voting rights, a reversal of the recently hiked customs duties on gold and gadgets (flat panel TVs), monitoring seasonal airfare hikes by Indian airlines, ensuring better economic growth back home… these are some of the issues that a cross-section of Indians in the UAE would like the Indian premier to address.
“The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission to ensure voting rights for NRIs, but the decision has not yet been implemented.
“NRIs cannot participate in the forthcoming Panchayat elections in Kerala or any other elections. It seems there are many practical difficulties in implementing the voting rights,” said a Dubai-based Indian expat.
“What the NRIs want back home is more stable economic growth and less politics. More governance and less politics will ensure more growth and employment opportunities in India.
“We would also like the Indian Premier and the Indian government to address the seasonal skyrocketing of airfare during vacation time that affects many ordinary workers and families to spend more money on travelling,” said Y Sudhir Kumar Shetty, Chief Operating Officer, UAE Exchange and a social activist.
“Make use of NRIs for the Make in India programmes as we need more healthcare facilities and hospitals in India,” he added.
“I don’t know what the Prime Minister of India can do about this problem of airlines charging exorbitant rates during seasons. During the last Eid holiday season, I had to pay Dh2,400 one way for a ticket to Kochi (India), and about the same amount for a return trip.
“Since we get our annual leave only during the season time, despite many budget carriers operating on the route promising affordable rates, we are helpless,” said Aslam Meledath, an Indian restaurant salesman in Jumeirah. His colleagues in the Al Nasim restaurant too shared the same woes.
“A pension scheme should be implemented for NRIs who are going back to India after reaching the age of 60,” said Umarani Padmanabhan, an Indian social worker in the UAE.
India’s strict gold import duty rules have irked many NRI families who are allegedly facing harassment at Indian airports.
Under the rules, men can bring in around Dh2,891 (Rs50,000) worth of gold and women Dh5,782 (Rs100,000).
In terms of jewellery, that roughly translates into a small chain or a maximum of one set of earrings, a necklace and two bracelets.
“When Indira Gandhi visited the UAE 34 years ago, the Indian population here was less than 300,000 and India was not a significant business or trading partner of the UAE.
“Now there are more than 1.5 million Indians living in the UAE and the two countries have strong economic relationship. India is UAE’s second or third largest trading partner.
“All the free zones in the UAE have single largest number of Indian firms registered. In the last one and half decade, India is a major source of supplying not only workers, but professionals. The Prime Minister’s visit should be serious matter, said KV Shamsudeen, Chairman Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust.
“While there are make in India schemes, the NRIs currently get only two facilities – NRE and FCNR deposits – that are exempt from interest tax. Many NRIs would like to get free opportunity to invest in India without any restrictions. Treat us like Indian citizens,” he said.
“Portfolio Investment Service through the banks account is needed to invest in the Indian stock markets. Permission of the Reserve Bank of India is needed for this. Indian citizens are allowed to invest any amount in Indian stock markets. If such restrictions are removed, there will be more fund flow to India,” added Shamsudeen, who works to create financial literacy among Gulf Indians.
