Plight of Indian workers: 'Saudi King has personally intervened to resolve the issue'

New Delhi: A day after her deputy VK Singh held extensive discussions with the Saudi authorities over the plight of thousands of laid-off Indian workers, External Affair Minister Sushma Swaraj said that the King of Saudi Arabia himself directed his officers to resolve the issue within 2 days.

Speaking in the Rajya Sabha, Swaraj added the process of sending back workers to India, will be done on Saudi Arabia's expenses.

“Saudi Arabia has said that exit visas will be given as asked by India for Indian workers there,” she said.

“Saudi Arabia has also given approval to companies there who want to employ any of these Indian workers. Saudi Arabia also said that Indian workers staying in camps will be provided medical and other facilities,food; India need not worry,” she also said.

Yesterday, VK Singh held extensive talks with Saudi Labour Minister Mufrej Al Haqbani who promised urgent action to resolve the difficulties being faced by around 7,000 Indians, most of whom are living in camps after losing their jobs due to economic slowdown in the oil-rich Gulf country.

Satisfied over Haqbani's response, Singh said he was thankful to the Saudi government for "very positive action and maganimous attitude".