The government has started its mission to rescue 38 Nepali migrant workers stranded in Saudi Arabia for months. The workers who landed in Saudi Arabia more than six months ago are without jobs, money and basic facilities.

 

After worried family members approached the government, the Department of Foreign Employment (DoFE) intervened. DoFE Director Udhav Prasad Rijal said we have summoned recruiting agencies Tinjure Employment Services Pvt. Ltd and Empower Human Resources Management that sent the workers to Saudi Arabia. “We have informed the recruiting agencies to rescue the stranded Nepali workers within 15 days,” said Rijal.

 

The Minister of Labour, Employment and Social Security Gokarna Bista directed the DoFE to stop all activities of these agencies if they do not take the responsibility of their safe return. The DoFE instructed both recruiting agencies to arrange food and shelter for the workers.

 

Nepal Embassy in Saudi Arabia is sheltering 16 of the 38 workers. The Non Resident Nepali Chapter of Saudi Arabia has arranged food and lodging for these workers. “The company will not allow them to return. Therefore, these recruiting agencies will have to arrange for the workers’ return. If they don’t take the responsibility, we shall revoke their licenses,” said Rijal.

 

The workers were promised jobs in hotels. Their job agreement said they would work in the catering section of Sonmar Constructing Trading and Advertising Company in Saudi Arabia. After they reached Saudi Arabia, they were forced to work as labourers. Two months later, the company assured them of changing their jobs. It never happened.

 

They were also sent to labour supply company with the hope they would be hired by other companies. This too did not succeed. Struggling for work opportunities, these workers protested against the company. It promptly terminated them.