Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Early Times Report
Srinagar, Aug 8: Many Kashmiris who have been duped by companies, are stuck in Saudi Arabia as their travel documents have been withheld.
A number of Kashmiris have gone to Saudi Arabia, promised well-earned jobs by consultancies here in reputed companies. However, many Kashmiris are stuck in Saudi Arabia, as they are being demanded a hefty amount by companies for release of their travel documents.
"The consultancies promised us jobs in Saudi Arabia and charged Rs 1.20 to Rs 1.50 lakh for facilitating well earned jobs, but we ended up working as labourers," a Kashmiri, from Saudi Arabi, said, wishing not to be named for fear of reprisal.
He said that they were without salary for months. "Many have fallen ill and have no money to purchase medicines. These companies are not providing us proper food and no medical assistance," he said. Narrating his experience, another Kashmir said that several Kashmir are without salary for the last few months.
"Some have developed health complications. We want to return home but the companies have kept our travel documents. They are demanding Saudi Rial (SR) 10,000 for releasing documents," he said.
He said that they also approached the Indian Embassy and Saudi Arabia police for help, but to no avail. As per the contract of a company, another Kashmiri was given the job as a storekeeper/cashier with a monthly salary of SR 1,500 during the probation period of three months and after completion of probation SR 2,500. He was also told that accommodation and transportation charge will be borne by the company itself. However, he was duped by the company in Saudi Arabia and Srinagar job consultancy. "Once I went there, I was not given storekeeper job but was compelled to work as a labourer. It was a horrifying experience to work for three months in Saudi Arabia," he said. Before going to Saudi Arabia he was working with a company in New Delhi. "The government should crack down on unregistered illegally operating job agents here," he added. |
