Hope revives for Odia labourers trapped in Saudi

Bhubaneswar: After the travails of 12 Odia labourers trapped in Saudi Arabia and struggling to come home was reported by OTV on June 24 for the second time in its series on the issue, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik again took to Twitter showing their alertness on the issue.

Responding to OTV, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh stated it is making full efforts but it will take time to resolve the issue of the Odia labourers as it is a case of premature repatriation.

Emb. has been making full efforts on this. It is case of premature repatriation before completion of contract. It will take time to resolve.

— India in SaudiArabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) June 24, 2017

CM Naveen also once more expressed his concern for the Odia labourers and again requested the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to take swift action on the matter.

Concerned about Odia labourers stuck in Saudi Arabia. Request MEA @SushmaSwaraj ji for expeditious action as appropriate in the matter.

— Naveen Patnaik (@Naveen_Odisha) June 24, 2017

Earlier on May 9, soon after OTV reported on the issue, the External Affairs Minister had directed the Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia to facilitate the return of the workers. Naveen had also sought her intervention for the safe return of the Odia labourers. But neither Swaraj nor Patnaik could anything beyond these Twitter responses.

The 25 labourers are still struggling for existence in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia. Twelve of them are from Ganjam district in Odisha. They are jobless since three months and living without money even to buy food.