No clearance for KGL jobs

Protectors of emigrants have been directed not to give emigration clearance at their level to Indian workers proposed to be deployed for Kuwait and Gulf link (KGL) transport company of Kuwait, government told parliament today.

The direction came into effect from July 22, 2005, Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Overseas Indian Affairs Jagdish Tytler said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha. He also noted that there were press reports about KGL recruiting truck and trailer drivers for Iraq.

Tytler said KGL was placed in 'prior approval category' (PAC) list in 2001. But, it was removed from it in November 2004 on the basis of the recommendation of Indian Embassy in Kuwait.

Workers going to Kuwait and Jordan were required to submit employment documents attested by the Indian mission concerned, he said. He added that specific endorsement "not for employment in Iraq" was also made on passports of workers going to these countries.

Three Indian drivers, employed with the KGL for operations in Kuwait, were abducted in Iraq in July last year when they were plying trucks in the war-ravaged country. They were released after 41 days after tough negotiations with Iraqi abductors.