A Swindon councillor couple of Goan origin recently highlighted a number of issues pertaining to the Indian diaspora, during their meeting with the High Commission of India (HCI) at London.
Imtiyaz Shaikh and his wife Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh are the first Goan couple to be elected to Borough Councils from the Swindon Borough.
Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh, who has been Labour Councillor for Central (South) Swindon since 2019, and the Shadow Cabinet Lead for Community & Culture, said she was proud to have been invited as an Indian Origin Councillor to the High Commission of India - London Embassy (India House), to be the bridge and raise issues of the Indian Diaspora in South West London.
Describing her visit as a fruitful engagement with the High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami, Deputy High Commissioner and his officers, Amaral-Shaikh said she had raised the issue of improving VFS facilities, impart training to their staff and accommodate those with younger children & elderly.
Amaral-Shaikh, who hails from Panaji, also suggested that in cases of death, the HCI could review free repatriation of final remains to India for those who have no family in UK.
She also recommended a centre in South West, such as Bristol, Oxford or Swindon, as many people are affected by cost of living crisis and aren’t able to meet travel expenses.
Amaral-Shaikh also said she was happy to meet her friend and fellow Goan Clayton Fernandes Barreto (Social Secretary to the High Commissioner), the only Goan serving at the High Commission of India in London for about 15 years. They exchanged thoughts on their vision to improve and bridge gaps for their communities.
Her husband and Labour Councillor for Eastcott (South) Swindon Imtiyaz Shaikh, who hails from Vasco, said they had a good engagement at the HCI.
“I provided feedback on the importance of improving customer service at all VFS offices in UK. The UK has a deeper understanding of customer service and it would be nice to see VFS staff emulate that when nationals make applications,” said Shaikh.
“I also praised their officers and thanked them for their commitment, especially during Covid times and at every opportunity we have been able to bring the consular services to Swindon, they have shown exemplary service to all.”
“I also raised the issue of improving online services as the application once made isn’t always amendable and applicants were struggling with changes,” he added.
When contacted, Clayton Fernandes Barreto (Social Secretary to the High Commissioner) said he was happy to meet two Goan elected councillors Adorabelle Shaikh and her husband, Imtiyaz Shaikh at the High Commission of India, London.
“The husband“wife duo represents the Labour party in the Council. We discussed various issues related to the Goan Diaspora and ways we put things together to benefit the Goan community. Discussions were fruitful with an emphasis on future engagements,” said Barreto.
High Commissioner Vikram Doraiswami and his team had interacted with Councillors of Indian Heritage at the India House.
“This was a first in a series of such events. Discussions ranged from consular issues to development in India-Great Britain ties,” stated the HCI London.
[From L to R] Clayton Fernandes Barreto (Social Secretary to the High Commissioner), Councillor Adorabelle Amaral-Shaikh and Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh at the High Commission of India in London.
