Saudi Arabia to renew work permits of Indians who lost their jobs

The Saudi Ministry of Labour has decided to renew Iqama (work permit) for Indians who had lost their jobs and allow them to change sponsorship.

The decision was taken during discussions with Indian consulate authorities in Jeddah.

Union Minister of State V. K. Singh, who is in Jeddah, is coordinating efforts to help Indian who lost their jobs.  The Indians, numbering about 8000, are staying in 20 camps in Saudi Arabia. Of them, there are about 300 Keralites. The Minister would be visiting them.

They would be taken back to India in aircrafts being operated for Haj pilgrimage, if they want to return. Exit visas would be given free of charge.

Indian Consulate in association with Indian Community in Jeddah is distributing food packets to Indians.  Efforts r on to reach out to each n every Indian to help them overcome this crisis, Indian consulate in Jeddah said.