A Karnataka expatriate organisation based in Saudi Arabia has appealed to new Chief Minister- DK Shivakumar to establish a separate ministry for Non-Resident Kannadigas (NRKs) and appoint a dedicated minister to address the concerns of Kannadigas living abroad.

In a memorandum submitted to Shivakumar, the Karnataka Non-Residents Forum (KNRF), Riyadh, congratulated the Congress leader on assuming office and expressed confidence that his government would promote inclusive development and strengthen engagement with Kannadigas across the globe.

Highlighting the contributions of expatriate Kannadigas, particularly those living in Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Bahrain, the forum said overseas Kannadigas have played a significant role in Karnataka’s socio-economic development through remittances, investments, charitable initiatives and humanitarian activities.

The forum, however, noted that despite their contributions, NRKs continue to face a range of challenges that require institutional attention. Among the issues raised were the absence of a dedicated ministry or welfare board for NRKs, lack of rehabilitation and social security schemes for Gulf returnees, inadequate support for families affected by accidents, imprisonment or death abroad, and insufficient medical and insurance coverage for expatriates and their dependents.

The memorandum also highlighted the need for educational assistance and scholarships for children of NRKs, legal aid mechanisms for expatriates facing labour and legal disputes overseas, structured support for investment opportunities in Karnataka, and effective assistance during emergencies such as wars, pandemics and other crises abroad.

Other demands included skill development and reintegration programmes for returning expatriates, the establishment of district and taluk-level welfare boards, a 24×7 helpline and grievance redressal centre, and improved air connectivity, including direct flights from Riyadh to Bengaluru and Mangaluru.

The KNRF urged the new government to establish a dedicated Ministry for Non-Resident Kannadigas with an independent budget, administrative framework and comprehensive welfare programmes aimed at safeguarding the interests of expatriate Kannadigas.

The organisation also requested that Dr Arathi Krishna be considered for appointment as the minister in charge of the proposed department, citing her experience and involvement in matters concerning Non-Resident Kannadigas.

Stating that Karnataka is among the Indian states with a large expatriate population, the forum said the creation of a dedicated ministry would strengthen the confidence of overseas Kannadigas while enhancing investment opportunities, employment generation and the state’s global profile.

The memorandum was signed by the president, coordinators and members of the Karnataka Non-Residents Forum (KNRF), Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.