As West Asia conflict grows, MLAs seek dedicated helpline for stranded Goans

Porvorim: Ruling as well as opposition MLAs on Friday raised concern over Goans who were struck in West Asia due to the ongoing conflict between US-Israel and Iran in the Goa Legislative Assembly. MLAs demanded that Goans should be provided assistance in distress and even provided evacuation.

Raising the issue of the safety and security of Goans due to the escalating conflict in West Asia during the zero hour, leader of opposition Yuri Alemao demanded a dedicated desk, helpline, and liaison with the ministry of external affairs to provide assistance to Goans in distress.




Benaulim MLA Venzy Viegas said in his zero hour mention, “Fear and anxiety are in the minds of Goans in the Gulf and their families all over Goa due to the ongoing war between Iran and Israel, which is only escalating.”

Viegas said Goans needed assured support by arranging flights for those who wanted to come back, addressing visa issues for those in the Gulf holding OCI, providing counselling support for those who required help managing their mental health, and issuing a daily Goa govt Gulf update broadcast to citizens in Oman, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Doha, Abu Dhabi, Bahrain, and other West Asia countries, along with the steps govt assured to take.

Navelim MLA Ulhas Tuenkar, in his calling attention, said, “Attention of the House is drawn to the concerns regarding the safety of Goans working in Gulf countries in view of the ongoing conflict and rising tensions in the West Asian region. A large number of people from Goa are employed in countries such as the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia, and the prevailing war situation in the region has caused anxiety among their families in the state.”

Chief minister said that he was collecting the data, and will reply to the calling attention on Monday during the session.

Tuenkar said govt took steps to coordinate with the ministry of external affairs to ensure the safety of Goans residing in these countries and that measures were in place for assistance or evacuation, if required