NT Reporter Panaji
Stating that there are ample employment opportunities for youth in Goa as well as in other parts of India, Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Monday assured to look into the issue of detention of Goan youth in US jails due to visa and documentation issues.
Sawant was responding to the issue raised by Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas during the Zero Hour in the assembly. He
asked Viegas to submit relevant details related to the matter.
“From time to time, in such cases, we have followed up with the concerned embassy and provided the required help,” said Sawant.
He said there are many employment opportunities in Goa and other parts of India. “Few are going outside India, it is their wish,” he said.
Viegas had drawn the attention of the House to the situation of young individuals from India, including Goa, who have been arrested and are currently detained in jails and immigration detention centres in the United States, allegedly due to expired visa or lack of valid documentation.
“It is further disturbing to note that most of these detainees have not been able to contact their families back in India, leaving their loved ones in complete distress and uncertainty. These youth had primarily gone to the US in search of employment opportunities due to limited job prospects in our own state and country,” said Viegas.
He said this is a humanitarian issue requiring urgent government intervention. “I urge the government to take up the matter with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Embassy in the US, to identify the detained individuals, facilitate communication with their families and provide necessary legal and consular assistance,” said Viegas.
The Benaulim MLA said, “Steps must be initiated to address the root cause –unemployment – so that our youth are not forced to take such desperate measures. I request the Chief Minister to intervene and assure this House that suitable and immediate steps will be taken.”
