SRIKAKULAM/VISAKHAPATNAM: Desperate to earn a livelihood, migrant workers continue to be victims of negligent and apathetic treatment, similarly 24 workers belonging to Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Odisha, who were stranded in Riyadh in Saudi Arabia are running out of money, with no food and water. They are waiting for the exit letters from their employer company.
The workers identified as Dupana Prakash Rerddy from Ampuram village of Kanchili mandal in Srikakulam district, Karthik from Talabadra village of Sompeta mandal, K Rama Rao from Bellupada Colony in Ichchapuram, Bruhaspathi from Guddipadra village and Hari Krishna from Borivada village, both in Ganjam district of Odisha.
They were hired by the agents for Aamal Al Muqawil Contracting Company (AMCO) in Riyadh last year in December. They have been alleged torture by the firm. Following the torture they appealed to the Saudi Arabia government and Indian Embassy. The workers got the out-passes for leaving the country. But, the company officials did not allow them to leave and they stopped their food.
One of the workers has sent WhatsApp message to his family member and informed that one among the workers was severely sick for the last few days and they did not have money for treatment.
Brother of one of the worker Rajam Rama Rao told Indian Express that. “I called my brother last night. For the last two days, they have been taking meals once a day and are awaiting help from the Indian government. With less intake of food and water, most of them are suffering from dehydration and weakness.”
Kallepalli Krishnaveni, mother of another stranded worker Karthik said. “I wait the entire day to get a call from my son. But, they have run out of money. Thinking about the worst conditions, I have not slept even for an hour since many days.”