Saudi Arabia agrees to help thousands of stranded Indians
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has agreed to swiftly resolve plight of thousands of laid-off Indian workers including providing them free passage to return to India and clearing their unpaid dues. The Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh held extensive talks with Saudi Labour Minister Mufrej Al Haqbani in Riyadh.
Al Haqbani promised urgent action to resolve the difficulties being faced by around 7,000 Indians, most of whom are living in camps after losing their jobs due to economic slowdown in the oil-rich Gulf country.
The Saudi government also agreed to allow transfer of Indian employees, who have lost their jobs, to any othercompany within Saudi Arabia.
Mr V K Singh arrived in Saudi Arabia yesterday to assess the situation and finalise modalities to bring back the stranded Indian workers who even do not have money to buy food.He said that the Saudi government has taken immediate action to ensure that all camps where Indian workers were staying are provided facilities like medical, food, hygiene and sanitation.
