Stranded workers: V K Singh leaves for Saudi Arabia

August 02, 2016 22:13

With thousands of Indians reeling under severe financial crisis in Saudi Arabia after losing their jobs, Minister of State for External Affairs V K Singh tonight left for the Gulf nation to assess the situation and finalise modalities to bring back those who want to return to India.

Ahead of Singh's visit, the Indian embassy there has launched an initiative to collect details of the Indians laid off by their employers.

Currently, a total of 7,700 affected Indian workers are living in 20 camps and the embassy is in the process of collecting information about others residing in different parts of Saudi Arabia.

Singh left for Jeddah tonight and MEA Spokesperson Vikas Swarup said his on-the-ground assessment will determine future course of action.

Thousands of Indian workers have lost their jobs due to slowdown in Saudi economy, triggered by low oil prices and cut in spending by government of that country. The Indian mission has provided food to the Indians who cannot buy it.

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