A number of workers are calling on their embassies and consulates to help them pay fees needed to release them from their sponsors or get new sponsors.

These workers do not fall under the amnesty or grace period announced by the government that exempts illegal workers from penalties and fees if they rectify their status before July 3.

Tariq Butt, a driver, told Arab News that his new sponsor is asking for SR 3,000 in labor office transfer fees.

“I am a poor man. My previous sponsor is not in the red zone but told me that he doesn’t have any work for me. He said it would be better for me to transfer to another sponsor or he would send me back home. I found a taxi company and the new sponsor is ready to take me but wants money for the transfer. I went to the consulate but did not get any help. Where shall I go now?” asked Butt.

Another employee, Siddique Ahmed, said he has been suffering for a month. His current employer is in the Yellow Zone and does not need him anymore.

“My sponsor is demanding SR 3,000 for me to transfer to another company. What can I do, there is no law for such a situation. I am an MBA graduate with three years' experience in banking and accounts. Please, can someone please help me deal with this and find me a job,” said Ahmed.

Illahi Baksh, who works for a company in the Yellow Zone, has also appealed for help to get him released from his sponsor and transfer to a company in the Green Zone.

“There are many people who are working for companies in the Green and Yellow Zones but want to transfer from their sponsors. They don’t know what to do, except pay the amount their sponsors are asking for their release. We are pleading with the consulate to please help us,” he said.

Asan Deen, a Pakistani worker, said many fellow nationals told him that their sponsors are asking for SR 3,000 to SR 5,000 before handing over their passports.

“There should be a solution for all these problems. Instead of paying such huge amounts to their sponsors, people should just go to their consulates and embassies to discuss the matter and find a solution,” he added.

Faiz Ahmed Kidwai, the Indian consul general, said workers have to check out what their status is under the country's labor laws.

“Employees should understand whether they fall under the amnesty conditions or not. If they do not fall under the amnesty, then they have to follow the regular procedure. It means they have to pay transfer fees, and if their iqamas need to be renewed, they have to pay that as well,” he said.

Sponsors in the Green Zone, or who do not fall under the amnesty, have the right to hold on to their workers. He said workers could complain to the labor office if they feel they are being treated unfairly.