Kin of Saudi-stranded seek PM's help

KATHMANDU, Jan 25: Family members of six Nepali workers stranded in Saudi Arabia due to hassles created by owner of the company they previously worked have knocked on the doors of Prime Minister´s Office for their safe return home.



The victims´ family members have alleged that Nepali embassy in Saudi Arabia have not taken any initiative despite repeated requests for help. [break]



Narayan Prasad Bhandari, Surya Prasad Paudel, Jhapat Kumar Shrestha, Raja Ram Sapkota, Dipendra Sapkota and Tek Bahadur Sapkota of Hemja, Kaski, have been left in the lurch in Saudi Arabia for over seven months, according to Indra Maya Shrestha, wife of Jhapat Kumar.



Indra Maya said all six workers, who are drivers by profession, had moved local labor court after the owner of Khalid Alshik Transport at Dammam, did not let them return home even after the expiry of a two-year contract on July 12, 2010. The company owner had allegedly warned them of dire consequences if they did not work in the company for three years.



The victims´ family members, who have arrived in Kathmandu to seek government´s support for securing their safe return, said all six workers had decided to quit the work as their monthly allowance was not satisfactory and the work environment hazardous. All of the six workers had flown to Saudi Arabia on July 12, 2008 to work for the company through Yeti Manpower, Maharajgunj.



After the expiry of the two-year contract, they handed over vehicles and other property to the company and started living in a rented apartment of some friend. “As the labor court was preparing to give a verdict against the company, the owner made a false charge against them and reported to the police that they were involved in stealing company´s properties,” said Indra Maya.



The company´s owner had alleged that the six workers were also involved in stealing, just like another fellow Nepali who fled to Nepal making away with some properties of the company. “The labor court has asked them to bring a police report to get a verdict against the company´s unlawful act,” said Indra Maya. “They have not been able to go to the police as they fear getting arrested. Nepali embassy in Saudi Arabia has also failed to provide them any help in the matter.”



“Nepali embassy in Saudi Arabia has not taken heed of our problem despite repeated requests,” Indra Maya vented her ire. “What is the point of having an embassy there, if it cannot help Nepalis in need?”

Related story

Bimala Tamang's kin prepare to move apex court