More than 80 workers, 30 of them Saudis, have been demanding their delayed salaries for 13 months, telling a local newspaper that this issue has caused them problems. They have appealed for a quick resolution of the problem.
The reason for the delay appears to be the sale of a residential complex to the Public Pension Agency.
The foreigners among the employees reported that they could not get out of their residences to buy necessities or even to see a doctor when they fell ill for fear of deportation, because their residency cards have not been renewed. They have no money to pay the renewal fees.
“Our salaries haven’t been paid for over 13 months. We complained to several bodies, but to no avail. Some Saudi employees resigned, other expats had to leave the country, while others stayed to demand their lawful rights,” said Adel Rashid, a Saudi citizen.
Another worker, Mohammad Fahmi, an expat, said he had been working in the complex for 19 years now with no problems, until the building was sold. “Not only are our salaries delayed, but we also do not get any additional benefits, such as medical insurance and the renewal of our residency cards,” he said.
Workers demand unpaid salaries
