King of Saudi Arabia assisting stranded Indian workers: Sushma Swaraj

On August 4, Thursday, External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the King of Saudi Arabia has given instructions to help the thousands of Indian workers stuck in the Gulf kingdom, including giving them free passage back home.

The minister informed the Rajya Sabha that the Saudi King has instructed his officials to resolve the crisis faced by Indians.

"The Saudi King has instructed his officials to solve the problem in two days. General (Retd) VK Singh is there. He met the Labour Minister there on Wednesday, he said instructions have been given to give the Indian worker's exit visa; they will send them back in their own flights, at their own expense," Sushma Swaraj toldRajya Sabha.

"They have also permitted that those who are found suitable may be given another job," she said.

She also said the Saudi administration was arranging for providing food and other assistance to the camps where Indians were lodged.

"Besides, they offered to arrange for medical care, food, and sanitation in the camps where Indians are," she said.

The minister thanked the Saudi King for the assistance.

She said: "I want to thank Saudi rulers on behalf of India and the House. I also thank the Prime Minister. This is happening because of the relations he made during his visit to Saudi Arabia."