Centre for Strategic Studies
Mobility and Mode Distribution in Kochi
April 25, 2018
More votaries now for public transport
May 5, 2018“Nitaqt is a misunderstood word” His Excellency Dr. Saud Mohammed Al-Sati, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in India
Date: 27 April 2018
Nitaqt is a misunderstood word, said His Excellency Dr. Saud Mohammed Al-Sati, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in India. He was addressing a gathering during his visit to the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) in Kochi on Friday.
The ambassador pointed out the number of expatriates, including Indians, in Saudi has increased during the last two-three years. ”If nitaqat is something like being propagated, the number should have been decreasing. Nitaqat is not directed to any particular nationality. The number which stood at 3 million in 2016 rose to 3.2 million in 2017 and we expect the number to increase further in future. ” He said. He said the number of pilgrims travelling to Saudi Arabia is increasing every year
Nitaqat is a combined initiative of reserving 10 percent of job opportunities for people and corrective measures. Corrective measures include deporting of illegal migrants and those continue to stay country after the pilgrimage. The Ministry of Labour has established three Zones. Native and foreign companies functioning in these zones have to reserve 10 percent job for Saudi citizens” the ambassador explained.
Al- Sati who said the pillar of Indo – Saudi relation is people to people relations and urged Indian businessmen to invest in Saudi and offered support for business ventures.” We have very good infrastructure including some of the finest seaports. We can help Indian companies to access new market like East Africa” he said.
Referring to the security, Al- Sati said India and Saudi shared common apprehensions. Terrorists justify their criminal activities using religion. India and Saudi can join hands in counter-terrorism” he said.
CPPR Chairperson Dr D Dhanuraj delivered welcome and introductory remarks.
