KMCC President, Anwar Naha, General Secretary, Ibrahim Murichandy and Secretary, Advocate Sajid Abu Baker met Air India officials to stop such injustice against the expatriate community … reports Asian Lite News.
KMCC President, Anwar Naha has raised alarm over Air India’s doubling the air fare for transporting dead bodies for funeral back to Kerala. The president described the move as an unexpected attack on the expatriate community.
KMCC President, Anwar Naha, General Secretary, Ibrahim Murichandy and Secretary, Advocate Sajid Abu Baker met Air India Regional Manager, Mohit Sen and Country Manager, Saket Saran asking them to stop such atrocities against the expatriate community in the UAE.
The officials gave assurance that they won’t support such moves exploiting the expatriates. Furthermore, the officials also informed that they had sent instructions to Delhi regarding the same.
“Air India had raised the air fare, without a public announcement, by distributing circulars. It was done while there was a strong demand to make transportation of dead bodies free,” said KMCC office bearers.
“Furthermore, the air fare to Kerala and South India was particularly targeted, AED 30 / Kg, compared to the air fare for North India, AED 17/ Kg. There is a huge difference in the air fares and is aimed at expatriates, particularly Keralites, who form the majority in the Gulf countries. The rise in air fares is seen as an exploitation and a cruel stance against them,” they added.
“The aircraft company is using even the dead bodies to increase profits. The air fare decided per Kg is anti-humanitarian and even the weight of the coffin is included. In order to transport a dead body now to Kerala nearly 80,000 rupees has to be paid and if we include embalming, it becomes 150,000 rupees. This amount is usually collected and borne by relatives and friends. The issue will also be put forward to the central Minister, VK Singh, who is visiting UAE on 29th,” they concluded.