He also said that his department in consultation with the state government's law department had drafted a Goa (Non-Resident Goans) Welfare Bill, 2009, by which a fund would be created for payment of pension to members who complete 60 years and provide financial assistance to members who are unable to work for more than two years at a stretch.

'We expect this bill will be introduced in the forthcoming session of the Goa assembly. The fund will be created with the help of a government grant as well as a small contribution from NRGs wishing to avail this facility,' Faleiro said.

He sought to refute reports that the economic recession was forcing a lot of Goans settled in the Gulf countries out of employment. 'These reports are unfounded. The global recession has hit the automobile and construction industry in the Gulf, but few Goans are employed in these industries,' he said.