The NCR was unilaterally commenting on unconfirmed reports that the Indian government planned to stipulate a higher salary in contracts for private drivers in Saudi Arabia. “The committee refuses any intervention in its affairs by any labor-exporting country,” Al-Eqtisadiah business daily quoted NCR Chairman Saad Al-Baddah as saying on Thursday.
However, Al-Baddah said the committee had not received any official information regarding the reported Indian move to ban the export of private drivers whose contract for monthly salary was less than SR1,200. He added the committee would make any move only after receiving official communication on the issue.
If the Indian government had any intention to raise salary of its workers, its embassy should have discussed the matter with the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which in turn, would inform the committee, he said.
According to reports, a major condition in the new contract is that a sponsor would be responsible for blood money if the driver causes any fatal accident. The conditions also include that the driver would be eligible for three meals a day or SR200 monthly food allowance.
Meanwhile, a source in the Indian consulate in Jeddah said Indian authorities are not contemplating any such move. “Yes, there is a minimum wage agreement between the two countries, and the only thing we have been requesting is that unskilled workers, who need emigration checks, should provide the contact address of their sponsors,” the source added.
