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NEW DELHI: India said on Sunday it will send a government minister to Saudi Arabia to try to bring back more than 10,000 Indian workers who are facing a “food crisis” because they are unable to afford meals after being laid off from their jobs.
Low oil prices have forced the Saudi government to slash spending since last year, putting heavy pressure on the finances of local construction firms which rely on state contracts.
As a result, some companies have been struggling to pay foreign workers and have laid off tens of thousands, leaving many with no money for food let alone for tickets home.
India's Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday said over 10,000 Indians in Saudia Arabia and Kuwait were facing a “food crisis” because of economic hardships, while appealing to an estimated 3 million Indians living in Saudi Arabia for help.
“Large number of Indians have lost their jobs in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. The employers have not paid wages, closed down their factories,” she tweeted on Saturday.
One of the country's two junior foreign ministers, V.K. Singh, will travel to Saudi Arabia next week.
Swaraj said on Saturday that India's other junior foreign minister, M.J. Akbar, would take up the issue with the authorities in the two Middle Eastern countries, saying the government was monitoring the situation on an hourly basis.
“While situation in Kuwait is manageable, matters are much worse in Saudi Arabia,” she said in a tweet.
Separately, the Consulate General of India in Jeddah said on its official Twitter feed on Saturday that it had distributed 15,475 kg of food over the past three days in association with the Indian community. It posted pictures of Indian people queuing up to collect the food packets.
The hardships faced by Indian migrants come amid rising protests about working conditions in Saudi Arabia.
Hundreds of foreign workers at construction firm Saudi Oger staged a public protest in Jeddah at the weekend to demand seven months of unpaid wages, Saudi Arabia's Arab News reported. They were dispersed by police after disrupting traffic.
Saudi Oger did not respond to a telephone call and an email seeking comment.
The Saudi government says it investigates any complaints of companies not paying wages and if necessary, obliges them to do so with fines and other penalties.
Read more
On DawnNews
Comments (109) Closed
Jul 31, 2016 03:02pm
Very good Initiative by Indian Government.
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Jul 31, 2016 03:04pm
How many Pakistani's witnessing similar conditions and what is our government doing?
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Jul 31, 2016 03:09pm
Let's hope the Pakistani government will also provide food and travel back facilities to poor Pakistani workers that are also stuck in KSA and Gulf..
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Jul 31, 2016 03:22pm
There is no rule in Saudi Arabia. Many Pakistani are stranded due to non payment issue. However, our government response is lukeluster.
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Jul 31, 2016 03:43pm
it was like dream to have such active ministers in India in last 60 years. well keep it up
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Jul 31, 2016 03:45pm
What is our Pakistani govt doing for our citizens in KSA?.
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Jul 31, 2016 03:58pm
The oil prices and war expenses in Yemen and Syria has made KSA in financial trouble and this is start worst to come. The government of India and Pakistan must dvice a plan to help their nationals.
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Jul 31, 2016 04:01pm
Very good timely action by Govt. Of India.
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Jul 31, 2016 04:13pm
good job...
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Jul 31, 2016 04:14pm
well done..
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Jul 31, 2016 04:27pm
modi knows what he has to do his citizen's
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Jul 31, 2016 04:27pm
Great job, mam. Pls provide food irrespective of which country he or she belongs to
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Jul 31, 2016 04:32pm
Conditions at home won't be any better I am afraid.
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Jul 31, 2016 04:35pm
A very good move by Indian authority..
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Jul 31, 2016 04:38pm
Good work Indian government..
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Jul 31, 2016 04:43pm
Well I am also in Saudi Arab lost my job since 10 days.here conditions are worst it is advisory for those who will be coming here for job please do not come as food prices are getting higher and there is no guarantee of salary on time.Indian goverment whenever distributing food but it is not enough for whole the foreign workers in different areas.I am an Indian living with my many other Pakistani brothers we are dealing with adverse situations for two time meals and to get a job for us.
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Jul 31, 2016 04:44pm
Modi govt is very active for helping Indians working abroad. Good Job. Please provide the food for other countries workers also.
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Jul 31, 2016 04:48pm
If Middle Eastern countries continue to behave like this, they will not attract Indian Muslims for jobs in those countries. Surely, the 10,000 workers mentioned here as laid off shall be evacuated to India by the Indian Government of India.
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Jul 31, 2016 05:18pm
well done indian government and now its time to take initiative no indians should go outside india for livelihood
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Jul 31, 2016 05:24pm
This is how responsible governments take care of its' citizens!
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Jul 31, 2016 05:48pm
In the construction field of Saudi Arabia 70% Pakistani are working and the camp in Jeddah where Indian goverment distributing food there were no discrimanation of Indian or Pakistani every labour is same here but this is much needed time for Pakistan goverment to bring back those helpless labours to Pakistan as they are suffering extremenly hot weather conditions while working but getting no wages from the saudi companies due their own poor financial condtions moreover the Saudi banks stopped granting loans to construction industries which directly affected to labours as they are having no work.these companies are never giving exit visas too which make these labours without work and without money.therefore it is advisory for all my Pakistani brothers and sisters from Indian.please do not come to Saudi Arabia for work.because other companies too are giving late salary under the higher food prices situations in Saudi Arabia.
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Jul 31, 2016 06:03pm
Every 15 years of so this is the condition in Saudi Arabia but workers from Pakistan never seem to learn this lesson. It was like this in 1983 when oil prices had gone down and again in 1998 when oil was around $14 a barrel (I heard it fell to $11 as well at that time). Now again trouble has come back and once again Saudi firms are not paying. One of my cousin's lost lacs in unpaid commissions but his green card came through. Most are not so lucky.
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Jul 31, 2016 06:59pm
Indian government should help people of subcontinentall. All poor Indians Pakistanis Nepalis Bangladeshis Srilankans Afghans who are helpless in SA should be extended help. After all they are our brothers.
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Jul 31, 2016 07:14pm
Life is getting difficult for Indians at home and abroad !
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Jul 31, 2016 07:15pm
I understand this senario, but we rather focus on population control, soon USA will be in crisis due to the huge indian migration . India ,Pakistan, BD needs to limit one child policy, 3 Million indian in Saudi? man it can make it up 5-6 european countries.
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Jul 31, 2016 07:17pm
This is pretty true.. conditions have changed drastically in the last few months.A lot of people have lost jobs and some are facing unpaid salaries..It is difficult for people to move out because some have families here and have grown accustomed to the environment but lets hope things are going to become better.
Even the locals are scared ..A lot of people are comparing this to 1998 , however 1998 was different because Saudi Arabia had a smaller population and at time China emerged so oil demand improved.This time it is a bit different
1)Large population means they have to provide jobs to Saudis .I know so many Saudis who are scared of the future and realise that living standards will fall.
2) Use of alternative fuel reducing oil demand
3) Global downturn in economy.
4) Middle east is becoming unstable.First it was Iraq, then Libya,then Syria and Yemen and Egypt and Tunisia are unstable too. I fear for the Arab and the Muslim World.
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Jul 31, 2016 08:05pm
Indian govt. is taking good steps. In Middlle East foreign Asian workers are treated very badly. If there is no job companies should give return tickets and exit visas. There are no human rights in gulf countries for Asian workers, their passports are taken away from them and they are not allowed to take jobs in other companies even if they are laid off. Why these countries are not treating the foriegn workers well as there is no democratic system and concept of human rights and diginity is
missing in these countries.
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Jul 31, 2016 09:00pm
Workers condition particularly at lower end of jobs were always deplorable; this is something where India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sirilanka, and Phillipines must form a special working group including United Nations to discuss this humanitarian crisis with Saudi Arabia, and UAE and come ip with a humanatarian solution. As a starter these oil rich countries must pay for travel, and at least 12 months of fair wages in the meantime, they must be provided with proper food and shelter.
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Jul 31, 2016 10:31pm
I am 100% sure indian government will tackle well this situation and will successfully trap out. But we should must lerarn lesson that awareness about population in south asia specially india. Government should pass rule one child policy. Otherwise food security will rise in future.
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Jul 31, 2016 10:53pm
Yes we will. Our previous operations like Kuwait Airlift (1990), Operation Raahat and Operation Sankat Mochan are clear records of how our MEA, Government and Foreign Ministry is dedicated to keep Indian citizens safe even outside the nation.
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Jul 31, 2016 11:07pm
We Pakistani citizens are stuck in Saudi Arabia, no word from Pakistan. Expecting India to help us.
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Jul 31, 2016 11:46pm
Where is Pakistani government when the people need them the most? No jobs, money and then no foods. And where is all the decades wealth of rich Saudis gone? Where are the reserved? Good lesson for them to leave luxury and comfort lifestyle and think of more needy people.
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Aug 01, 2016 12:10am
@Imtiaz rather than merely providing meals Indian and Pakistani govt should get all such workers evacuated to their homes. This problem is not going to resolve any time soon.
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Aug 01, 2016 12:11am
@khanbaba population explosion is the least care for problem.
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Aug 01, 2016 12:20am
@Basit Ali Our Govt as usual doing nothing
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Aug 01, 2016 01:45am
All this after 3 months and Saudi government telling India off for not taking action to remove them.
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Aug 01, 2016 02:30am
@Khan USA Not in USA, do you know the average income of Indians of American origin.
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Aug 01, 2016 05:04am
Why can't these workers leave Saudi Arabia? What is the Saudi Government doing? These workers should get their entitlements.
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Aug 01, 2016 05:48am
@Imtiaz
You are giving valuable advice and information.
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Aug 01, 2016 06:47am
@Taimoor khan indian farm workers earn more than what the earn in KSA. It's the agents who lure them.
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Aug 01, 2016 06:50am
@khanbaba agree with you
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Aug 01, 2016 10:04am
@SouthIndian Why ?
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Aug 01, 2016 01:28pm
@Kolsat
>Why can't these workers leave Saudi Arabia?
When they can't affoard to buy food; how can they affoard travelling expenses? Govt should help them.
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Aug 01, 2016 03:36pm
This is how the greatest democracy in the world treats its citizen. Kudos India.
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Aug 01, 2016 04:11pm
@Imtiaz . As an Indian citizen you represent India outside and very happy to hear you are sharing the meal or food provided by Our government to help Pakistani brothers working with you. This shows the magnanimity of Bharat and its citizens in helping others. May Lord Rama's blessing bless you for your deeds.
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Aug 01, 2016 04:29pm
The deadline for paying income tax in India was 31st July. I paid my tax (filed my return) merrily in May itself knowing fully well that my tax will be well spent on the betterment of my countrymen.
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Aug 01, 2016 05:26pm
@Imtiaz brother I will advice please inform Mrs Swaraj through social media or any other way ,even a tweet would be enough all this started when somebody tweeted govt of India about their condition in Saudi Arabia all the best
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Aug 01, 2016 06:12pm
Good job by the Indian minister, anyway it's Modi's stated policy that he will look at the colour of the passport during times of crisis. And he had done that on a number of occasions. So keep helping and if possible evacuate people and force the Saudi Arabia govt to act on these companies and provide compensation to laid off employees.
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Aug 01, 2016 06:16pm
That's how you take care of your nationals..
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Aug 01, 2016 06:17pm
The workers should first inform the consulate in organized manner. I am sure V K Singh will again lead the mission to bring back these workers. We need An225 like aeroplanes now.
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Aug 01, 2016 06:24pm
@Taimoor khan i assume that you speak about conditions at home as far as Pakistan is concerned. Real estate sector world over is facing a crisis, however the infra space in India and some other ASEAN economies is still doing very well with increased govt spending in infra due to reduction in the cost of importing oil. Lots of employment opportunities.
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Aug 01, 2016 06:28pm
@muhammad They are trying their best. Evacuation is not that easy. It is not a time of war where you ask everyone to simply take their bare minimum belongings and leave. Also evacuating 10,000 is going to a tedious task. Get their unpaid wages may help ease the relief process for good length of time. Also am glad that Indian authorities are not discriminating between Indians, Pakistanis, Bangladeshis, Afghanis and Sri Lankans. Speaks a lot about their attitude.
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Aug 01, 2016 06:28pm
@Khan USA Did you read the article, to get a grip of the situation before commenting!
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Aug 01, 2016 06:38pm
@Ricky Saudi Government should be providing food but looks like they have money to build malls and ice parks but no money or heart to feed the poor or starving humans
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Aug 01, 2016 06:42pm
@Imtiaz - It is a very sad situation for you Imtiaz and many other Indian or Pakistani origin people like you stranded in KSA or Kuwait. In such a situation; there is no future now left for you in those countries unless you were to get a new work contract which appears highly unlikely in given economic circumstances. Kudos to Indian government for taking never too late action. Thus, even if you may have no job back in your country; it would be better to come back than to be left begging in KSA or Kuwait. The laws in those countries are favoured to suit their local employers and hence carrying out processions & legal battles with employers will yield to only more frustrations. Pakistani people should also urge their government to bail out Pakistanis stuck in similar situations.
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Aug 01, 2016 06:48pm
Saudi Arabia imports food. They may facing shortage due to loss of oil money this year. Saudis flooded the market in fear of losing leadership status. Now it is backfiring on them
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Aug 01, 2016 06:52pm
Good job by Govt of India. Embassies should be pro active and focus on citizens issues. Many Pakistanis,Banglas and nepalis may be in same scenario. South Asian countries should think and act more assertive and jointly tackle these type of issues.Modi is setting examples for his counterparts to do. If we dont shout no one will hear us. So I urge Mr.Sherif and other south Asian leaders to address the worries and help out the people who left home and struggling for others.
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Aug 01, 2016 06:57pm
Indian Govt distributing food for the needy is great but every one is forgetting the core
question! Where is the Saudi Government and people??? These poor laborers worked their butts off in heat and other miserable conditions to build their country and while the Saudi Government may be hurting a little bit yet this is absolutely ridiculous!
I bet the kings and prices are still living lavish lives!
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Aug 01, 2016 06:57pm
@Ricky - The Indian government has started providing food in these camps and they are NOT discriminating between Indian or Pakistani or Bangladeshi or Srilankan. However India should take the lead further in evacuating even Pakistanis so long as they can produce the passports by bringing them to Delhi and then put them on a bus trip back to Pakistan. Same with Srilankans or Bangladeshis by bringing them to Chennai or Kolkata. This is a humanitarian need of the hour and time for India to show its magnanimity on a human cause.
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Aug 01, 2016 07:02pm
@Taimoor khan -It is a sad state with Hobson's choice for these people stuck in KSA. However, even if the situation may not be better home; as a worst case scenario; it is rather better to have a dignified death in your own country than be left to beg in inhuman conditions in a 3rd country.
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Aug 01, 2016 07:47pm
Thank you Indian government. As a Pakistani stuck in similar situation I was able to eat after 2 days yesterday. Thank you for not discriminating in food distribution. When will Pakistan embassy help.
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Aug 01, 2016 07:52pm
When thousands of Bangladeshis, Nepalese and Africans earn in India, Indians stave in SA. Bring them back, there's space for them.
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Aug 01, 2016 10:56pm
This is how proud and strong nations act...Well done government India..
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Aug 01, 2016 11:34pm
No matter how much we , in Pakistan , hate Modi but one thing is sure , he is very good for his country and its people .
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Aug 01, 2016 11:37pm
I am proud of my govt. Hope Pak govt too evacuates its citizen. Also request Indian authorities in KSA to be impartial while distributing food packets. All are human first. If need be we can donate money here from India.
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Aug 02, 2016 12:09am
I think, now SAARC should go for its own closed economy at least for our lively hood and progress. So the people who are feeling stranded out of the country (any one) can come back any time.
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Aug 02, 2016 03:03am
I am actually quite impressed by the way the Indian government is trying to address the problems of its poor workers in Saudi Arabia. I wonder if our government will do the same for our poor workers when they are in trouble?
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Aug 02, 2016 03:11am
Many Pakistani labourers are in a similar situation, and yet our government is doing nothing for them. I wish our government too more responsibility for its own people, like the Indian government.
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Aug 02, 2016 07:19am
@Insa when the situation normalises then they will act so that they can make money out of it.
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Aug 02, 2016 07:59am
difference between europe and middle east. europe feeds those belonging to the religion different from theirs. whereas middle east doesnt feed who belong to their own ilk and also to the people who have worked for them.
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Aug 02, 2016 09:00am
Indian embassy is offering free food to any one who comes, even Pakistani and I heard some Sri Lanka are availing this.
Thanks to Government of India for doing this humane act.
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Aug 02, 2016 10:18am
India should distribute food to all the south Asians - Indians, Bangladeshis, Nepalis, Sri Lankans, Pakistanis and Afghanis. Whoever approaches should be provided, no questions asked. As an Indian Jew, I know India will do it.
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Aug 02, 2016 11:00am
the Pakistani govt should also pull its finger out and help the labourers in Saudi camps including our indian friends irrespective of religion. Surely Nawaz with his special status amongst the Saudi royals can make some impact.
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Aug 02, 2016 12:59pm
The message here is clear.. The message given by Modi to his ministers.. 'The World is One Big family'.
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Aug 02, 2016 02:45pm
@Shahzeb Brother I agree. We must do so. Approach Indian Consulate/Embassy there, I hope they will certainly do something for you.
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Aug 02, 2016 03:12pm
Non payment of salaries to workers in Saudi Arabia is a common and shameful practice, treating the hardworking employees as slaves that needs to be tackle seriously. This is absolutely inhumane and criminal to deprive someone of their wages while forced to work like slaves. These workers have families to support and are human beings.
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Aug 02, 2016 03:14pm
Commendable!
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Aug 02, 2016 03:19pm
@Khan USA , Why such sercastism? Suffers, whether Indian or Pakistani, must be sympathized.
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Aug 02, 2016 03:19pm
@khanbaba ,
I agree with you on this point. All government helps should favor a couple who has one child.
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Aug 02, 2016 03:22pm
Sushmaji your move is commendable... Keep it up...
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Aug 02, 2016 03:29pm
I admire Mrs. Sushma Swaraj. She is there where she is needed. Hats off to you M'am.
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Aug 02, 2016 03:40pm
Good gesture our beloved Shushma ji, for a motherly help.
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Aug 02, 2016 03:46pm
As few of the readers have expressed that many Pakistanis are also stranded and are in similar situation, obviously we would expect similar actions by Pakistani Government. However, it seems Mr. Sartaj Aziz is more interested to have dinner in Turkey than to see the plight of fellow citizens in Saudi. In such circumstances we expect DAWN to help and widely report this matter on headlines and make it a huge story daily basis so that government is forced to act immediately. Many Good Samaritan and humanitarian trust may come forward with their monetary support to bring back those poor people back to country.
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Aug 02, 2016 04:31pm
After Mr. Modi coming in power, having a very good relationship with Arab countries especially.
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Aug 02, 2016 04:32pm
@Taimoor khan This your dream, but in reality the amount of freedom and development accelerated, which is tremendous, after Mr. Modi taken over as PM.
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Aug 02, 2016 04:34pm
@Imtiaz .Indian Govt is doing whatever it can. You seem to be educated, why not come back to India and get a job?
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Aug 02, 2016 04:36pm
@SouthIndian excuse me?? Help all? Are you kidding? India has billion+ population. India needs to help its own first inside and outside the country. Other countries can deal with their own
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Aug 02, 2016 04:41pm
@Zak BTW, what did Pak govt do?
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Aug 02, 2016 04:58pm
Most active Gov. in India in last 60 years.
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Aug 02, 2016 05:29pm
Help all south asian brothers including pakistanies.
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Aug 02, 2016 05:38pm
INDIA must help all SAARC nation labours struck in KSA. It is our responsibility of saving unfortunate humans... I am sure, people struck in KSA don't discriminate based on country as they all are humans.... NO INDIAN or NO PAKISTANI
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Aug 02, 2016 05:53pm
@Uday Kulkarni I fully agree with your thoughts. We should help people from subcontinent as much as possible and irrespective of nationality. Good job by sushma swaraj and Gen. V. K. Singh.
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Aug 02, 2016 06:14pm
India is doing the right thing. The situation in middle east countries is pretty bad, these M/E countries are running out of money quick due to war and fallen oil prices.
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Aug 02, 2016 10:36pm
i as watching dd news. the reason for this is that there is no formal agreement between goi and gcc countries about labour issues. we buy oil and in turn supply unskilled or semi-skilled labours. I thing few Indians, those who are not blue color workers, are not facing similar situation. it is better we buy oil from mexico and south America and pay in terms of medicine and healthcare...
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Aug 03, 2016 03:07am
and THIS is the true face of Middle East and all its glory...
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Aug 03, 2016 03:19am
@Kolsat
For 2 reasons, 1. No money to go home as they were not paid wages for months, 2. Companies need to issue exit permissions, which they are not getting.
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Aug 03, 2016 04:40am
Saudi Arabia government should have introduced employment benefits to all
workers such as unemployment benefits, 401K etc to dealt with financial hardships.
Saudi have lot of currency in their accounts in the western reserves. Now they should
pay off their wages and let them go their countries in gentle waymanway.
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Aug 03, 2016 05:46am
Are there Pakistanis in KSA and Kuwait facing these issues ? if so, how many and waht is Pakistani government doing to alleviate their problems ?
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Aug 03, 2016 05:54am
@INSA .. I feel for you brother. Stay strong! Do not loose hope.
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Aug 03, 2016 05:56am
Hunger and pain knows no religion nor nationality. Bring these workers back to their homes.
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Aug 03, 2016 06:20am
@Taimoor khan At least they wont sleep Hungry in India
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Aug 03, 2016 07:28am
Both Indian n Pak govt should collaborate and help their citizens in this critical condition
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Aug 03, 2016 09:20am
Indian External Affairs ministry is doing an excellent job both in terms of seeking good relationship with several countries including Islamic states but also giving timely help to its citizens in distress. Sushma Swaraj will surely be the next PM.
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Aug 03, 2016 09:36am
Pathetic UAE.....day will come oil exhausted...they will face similar issues.
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Aug 03, 2016 10:36am
In fact, it is the responsibility of the host country to look after the foreign citizens employed in its country. They should remember that no country will come to their rescue when no oil is available with them and they are reduced to paupers.
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Aug 03, 2016 12:47pm
Pakintani government should ask for similar diplomatic treatment as mented out for indian govmt.
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Aug 03, 2016 12:58pm
Request Indian government to please help as Pakistan government cares nothing for its citizens. My brother is foreman supervisor stuck in Jeddah for last 25 days. Thanks to Indian government for distributing food without discrimination to Pakistanis and Afghans. Your kindness is making us grateful to you forever.
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Aug 03, 2016 01:16pm
This is not acceptable. Saudi companies should be forced to pay the workers tickets to back home and their dues. They have been making money over the years using these workers and now in difficult time they have abandoned them.
Good initiative by Indian govt. I hope Pakistani govt would also take care of its citizens.
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Aug 03, 2016 01:38pm
Indian Govt stands behind Indian Workers in Saudi Arabia n will bring back her workers safely in India. We will not allow any country to ill treat Indian workers there...Prophet Mohammed says pay wages before sweat dries. Let Saudies take this note n immdly help Indian workers there.
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