The Aadhar or the UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) Card is an identification document with a unique number for the holder.

The announcement on extending this facility to NRIs was made by Sushma Swaraj India's external affairs minister at the Pravasi Bhartiya Divas (PBD) event in New Delhi recently. The minister said that the Indian Prime Minister also wants it for Overseas Citizens of India card holders. A senior official at the Indian Embassy said

'Though it is in a preliminary stage I am sure this decision will help Indians living in Oman to exercise their full civil rights.' Laxmikant M a long-time Muscat resident said it will allow NRIs to vote in Indian elections. 'It is a useful initiative by the Indian government and the card will be another important identification document for them' the graphic designer said. An Indian businessman however questioned how helpful the card would be for NRIs.

'I have one already but am not sure what's its purpose. All expatriates anyway have a very important identification document which is their passport. 'Maybe it will be helpful in India where officials have a habit of entangling common people in red tape in the absence of the Aadhar Card Voter's Card or the Income Tax department's PAN card' Mohammad Shinoj said.

Indian social workers said the Aadhar Card is a vital document to possess. 'We cannot always carry our passport and this is where the Aadhar Card comes in' said P M Jabir a social worker. 'The card has been one of our demands for a long time considering its benefits. In many cases employers in Oman keep expat workers' passports.

'The card can be used as a substitute for several transactions and services.' In another important decision the Indian foreign minister announced that women workers will be allowed to go to Gulf countries for employment only through government agencies to ensure they are not duped by recruiting agents or firms.

On this a welfare official at the Indian Embassy said 'This will save women workers from exploitation. Although it is too early to comment anything of our role we are awaiting for instructions from the government.'