The Indian Embassy is urging people from the country to evaluate benefits before accepting jobs offers in Bahrain.

Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty said that considering the current situation of rising value of the Indian rupee, high cost of living in Bahrain and lack of  increase in salaries for years, people should identify what their gain will be of a job abroad.

"When a person is offered a job with a salary of a few hundred dinars, his accommodation will cost him more than half this amount,' said Shetty.

"In such cases, what is the point of leaving behind your homeland to work in a foreign country?

"Companies and establishments in Bahrain which fail to pay a decent salary may not get good workers from India in future," said Shetty. "It is almost impossible to live in Bahrain on BD40 a month - no one can these days.

"For years the salaries in Bahrain have not increased though the cost of living has gone up considerably.

"Less and less Indians prefer to come here now mainly because there are many, better paid jobs available back home. Also the rise in the value of the Indian rupee has made it pointless for many to work here anymore for the same salary since it means the amount they are sending home has decreased."

Shetty also reminded that a six-month amnesty for expatriate workers will now start on September 1 after being postponed to allow more time for the Labour Market Regulatory Authority to finalise arrangements.

"The embassy would make use of all communication facilities at its disposal to make the community aware of the amnesty procedures," he said.

"The scheme should help those brought to the country on visit visas and being exploited by agents or sponsors. Those who do not want to leave may be helped by the ministry to regularise their stay.

"It is very difficult to reach out to many of the illegal workers but the embassy's volunteers will assist in the mission," he said. - TradeArabia News Service