Fakeih, Rao discuss labor issues

Minister of Labor Adel Fakeih has assured support for Indian workers within the framework of the Kingdom’s laws that guarantee protection for foreign workers.
The assurance for help was given by Fakieh during his meeting with Indian Ambassador Hamid Ali Rao at the Ministry of Labor here yesterday.
Ambassador Rao, who discussed “the welfare of the Indian community in the context of the Nitaqat program”, renewed his pledge to work tirelessly for the workers. He said the talks with the Saudi minister focused on labor issues and other bilateral subjects of common interest. There are over two million Indian expatriates living and working in Saudi Arabia at the moment.
Asked about the specifics of his talks with Minister Fakieh, the Indian envoy said: “Let me work quietly … I renew my pledge today again to solve the problems faced by Indian workers.”
In his talks with Fakieh, the ambassador recalled the excellent bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia. He thanked Fakeih for the decision made by Custodian of Two Holy Mosques to give a three-month grace period for those affected by the Nitaqat program to correct their legal status.
“The Indian Embassy urges all Indian nationals affected by the Nitaqat program to fully utilize the three-month grace period to correct their visa status,” said a press statement released by the embassy on this occasion. Those cases where people are not able to correct their legal status may approach the embassy for assistance, it noted. Any specific case, where assistance is required may be forwarded to [email protected].
The embassy also urged Indian nationals wanting to leave Saudi Arabia but does not have valid documents to obtain final exit from Saudi authorities and register with the embassy by submitting their Emergency Certificate (EC) application forms.
“Please note that no amnesty has been declared by Saudi authorities,” said the statement.
The embassy reiterated that Emergency Travel Certificates will be issued only after Saudi authorities agree to grant permission for the final exit of applicants. “The embassy is fully committed toward the wellbeing of Indian nationals and will continue to address issues of concern within the framework of applicable Saudi laws,” said the statement.