Indian workers have started returning in batches after the Saudi Arabia Government began giving exit visas to the retrenched workers. Over 1,000 jobless workers will start returning from next week.
Minister of State for External Affairs VK Singh met the Saudi Vice-Minister for labour and Social Development on Thursday where the modalities were worked out. The MoS thanked the Saudi Government for its cooperation and help in solving the issue of stranded Indians there.
“Saudi Government has begun giving exit visas to Saad group workers. The first out of four left on Thursday, when the Minister of State also met the Saudi Vice-Minister for labour and Social development yesterday. Total of 1,100 Indian workers of Saad are expected to return to India in coming weeks,” an MEA official said. A total of 1,100 Indian workers of Saad group are expected to return to India in coming weeks, the official said.
Thousands of Indian workers lost their jobs due to slowdown in Saudi economy, that was triggered by low oil prices and cut in spending by the Government. The Indian Government held consultations with Saudi Government to work out ways to help the jobless Indians get back their held up salaries, dues and ensure return of those who wanted to come back.
The Indian Government had also requested the Saudi authorities to give the unemployed Indian workers exit visas without NoC (No-Objection Certificate) from employers. As per rules, no foreign employee can leave the country without NoC by the employers.