Pravasi Legal Cell demands withdrawal of high consular service charges in Gulf region
TDT | Manama
Pravasi Legal Cell has urged the Indian Ministry of External Affairs to withdraw its decision to raise consular service fees in the Gulf region, arguing that the move places a severe financial strain on Indian migrant workers.
In a memorandum submitted to the ministry, the organisation's global president, Advocate Jose Abraham, highlighted the disproportionate impact of the increased Consular, Passport, and Visa (CPV) fees on blue-collar workers. 'Many migrants earn modest wages and will struggle to afford the revised charges, which have risen up to fivefold in some countries,' the memorandum stated.
The new fee structure, introduced under an outsourcing policy benefiting private service providers, has seen charges soar - rising from SAR 50-75 to SAR 200-300 in Saudi Arabia and from BHD 5-10 to BHD 20-30 in Bahrain. Pravasi Legal Cell's global spokesperson, Sudheer Thirunilath, called for an immediate review, warning that workers may be unable to renew essential documents, jeopardising their employment and legal status.
Migrant remittances are a major contributor to India's economy, exceeding $100 billion in 2023. The organisation warned that rising service costs could force many to return home, harming both their families and the nation's economy.
The organisation also warned that the sharp fee hike could push many migrant workers into debt and erode their trust in the Indian government, leaving them feeling abandoned at a critical time.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Tribune
9 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
MP's Unity Call Rallies Nation Behind Leadership Amid Regional Tensions
TDT | Manama Bahrain must stand firm in the face of regional turmoil, with national unity serving as the first line of defence, a Member of Parliament has urged. Dr Maryam Al Dhaen, who sits on the Foreign Affairs, Defence and National Security Committee, said Bahrainis must uphold solidarity and resist any efforts to sow division, calling it a 'historic responsibility' for every citizen. 'We are aware of the magnitude of the surrounding dangers,' she said. 'We must rise to this historic responsibility by standing united against every attempt to destabilise or undermine our national principles. There is no room for complacency or division, as Bahrain is strong because of its people and their awareness.' Support for leadership Dr Al Dhaen affirmed full backing for the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, saying Bahrain's strength rests in its cohesion around wise governance. She also praised Bahrain's foreign policy stance, describing it as balanced and rooted in peace and stability. Bahrain's 'firm and declared' position on regional developments, she said, is evidence of that commitment. Calling on citizens to turn away from misinformation, Dr Al Dhaen cautioned against the dangers of rumour-mongering during tense times. 'Social media should be platforms for building and solidarity, not tools for destruction or spreading rumours,' she said, urging the public to rely only on official channels for updates.
Daily Tribune
16 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Bahrain Expands Russian Ties Through Seven MOUs
TDT | Manama Bahrain is expanding its global economic footprint, signing seven private-sector MOUs with Russian economic bodies at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum 2025. The agreements underscore the Kingdom's growing drive to link Bahraini enterprises with new international markets. Bahrain Chamber, led by its Chairman H.E. Sameer Nass, engaged with several prominent Russian institutions to strengthen cooperation across trade, investment, industry, tourism, and logistics. The forum served as a platform to formalise commercial partnerships and unlock long-term cross-border business opportunities. Chamber Signs Seven MOUs The Chamber signed memorandums of understanding with seven institutions under the Russian Federation: Roscongress Foundation, and regional chambers representing Moscow, Chechnya, Krasnodar, Yakutia, and Lipetsk. Each agreement focuses on exchanging economic and investment data, co-hosting exhibitions and trade delegations, and facilitating sector-specific projects that support SMEs and key sectors looking to expand into new regions. 'These MOUs reflect our strategy to connect Bahraini businesses with promising global markets,' said H.E. Nass. 'They represent opportunities for SMEs and key sectors looking to expand into new regions.' Supporting SMEs Khalid Najibi, First Vice Chairman of the Bahrain Chamber, said the agreements align with the Chamber's mission to unlock international investment opportunities. Board Member Ahmed Al Saloom added that the MOUs provide tangible benefits for small and medium enterprises. 'Strategic partnerships like these give our businesses real leverage to expand and innovate internationally,' he said. Global Presence The Chamber reaffirmed its support for Bahraini SMEs and its commitment to opening global market pathways in line with Bahrain's Economic Vision 2030. Officials noted that the private sector remains central to local development and that these agreements will further solidify Bahrain's economic presence on the global stage.
Daily Tribune
16 hours ago
- Daily Tribune
Kingdom's Payments Core Clears Global Audit
TDT | Manama Bahrain's national payments backbone has passed a sweeping international audit with zero flaws, reinforcing its cyber resilience and operational continuity amid rising regional digital risks. BENEFIT, which powers the Kingdom's real-time transfers, debit card switching, and digital payment infrastructure, has secured recertification for two globally recognised standards: ISO 27001:2022 for information security and ISO 22301:2019 for business continuity. The company cleared both audits without a single non-conformity. Vital Infrastructure This clean result carries weight beyond corporate performance. As the operator behind essential services like Fawri+, Fawri, Fawateer, and network ATM services, BENEFIT forms the digital core of Bahrain's financial system. Any failure in its systems would cascade across banks, retailers, consumers, and government agencies. The recertification confirms BENEFIT's alignment with the newest and most stringent ISO protocols. ISO 27001:2022 in particular demands higher levels of leadership accountability, risk-based thinking, and integration of security governance across operations. These are requirements not all fintechs have successfully met. Leadership Speaks Badran Bukamal, Head of Risk Management and Information Security at BENEFIT, called the audit result a milestone built on years of dedication. 'This accomplishment represents the culmination of years of dedication and hard work by our team, who have once again demonstrated their ability to meet and exceed the highest international standards in cybersecurity and operational sustainability.' He added that BENEFIT is committed to remaining ahead of emerging threats and maintaining uninterrupted services for its partners and clients. 'These accreditations reflect our vision to position BENEFIT as a secure and dependable fintech provider, trusted by both customers and partners.' Setting the Benchmark As Gulf nations accelerate their shift toward digital finance, Bahrain's example offers a model of readiness. With rising pressure on financial infrastructure operators to prove resilience, BENEFIT's flawless audit result gives the Kingdom a reputation edge in cybersecurity and business continuity. The company said it would continue investing in future-proof systems to meet growing demands and protect against disruptions, reinforcing the stability of Bahrain's financial ecosystem.
