TS workers in Saudi jails seek help
Many arrested for signal crossing, vegetable and water sale
Around 450 Indian workers are in Jeddah jail for the last four months. Migrant workers belonging to various states, including Telangana, landed in the jails for petty crimes. The victims urged their respective state governments and Ministry of External Affairs for their release and safe return to their native places.
In a video clip received by Deccan Chronicle on Tuesday, the inmates explained their woes.
According to them, a majority of migrant workers were imprisoned for signal crossing, vegetable and water sale and lockdown violations. Due to ignorance of local laws, the migrants had committed petty crimes in Saudi Arabia and landed in jail. A similar plight is being faced by migrant workers from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Indonesia, they said in the video.
With no money, they are unable to get legal aid in Saudi Arabia. Neither getting work nor able to
return home, they have been in jail for the last four months.
“We are the sole bread
winners of our families and they are nearing the brunt back”, they lamented. Incidentally, those from Pakistan, Bangladesh and others are being released in a phased manner, while Indian workers are left to languish, they said.
The migrant workers mostly belong to Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh and West Bengal.
“We appeal to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ensure our safe release by taking up the issue with Saudi Arabian authorities”, the workers pleaded.