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Need to introduce to and fro ferry service between Gulf countries and Cochin, so as to facilitate travel of Indians working in Gulf–Laid.
SHRI KODIKUNNIL SURESH (ADOOR) : Lakhs of Indian workers, predominantly from Kerala are working in Gulf countries. They remit large amount of money to India, which increases our foreign exchange reserve considerably. Majority of them are low paid workers. They cannot afford the high cost of airfare if they want to make a trip to India. Demands have been made by them from time to time to introduce ferry service between Gulf sector and India. A contract was made with a foreign vessel company to start ferry service however, the same did not materialize. Now, the low paid workers find it very difficult to travel to India. It is the duty of our country to look after their welfare. Therefore, I urge upon the Government to introduce a ferry service immediately from Gulf to Cochin and back so as to facilitate the low paid workers travel to their motherland without any difficulty.