Stranded Pakistanis: Federal ombudsman takes notice of crisis
Advises concerned authorities to take necessary steps to ease sufferings of 13,000 workers
The next meeting on the issue will be held after two weeks and in the meanwhile all government agencies have been advised to draft standing order procedures (SOPs) in view of the findings of Ombudsman Secretariat to avoid such situation if future. PHOTO: ZAHOORUL HAQ/EXPRESS
ISLAMABAD:
Federal Ombudsman Salman Faruqui has advised the authorities concerned to take urgent measures to ease the suffering of Pakistani workers stranded in Saudi Arabia, The Express Tribune has learnt.
In an effort to chalk out an effective strategy, senior adviser (Law) / Grievance Commissioner Hafiz Ahsaan Ahmed Khokhar has called a meeting of ministries of foreign affairs, overseas Pakistanis, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) and the Bureau of Emigration.
There are more than 13,000 workers of particularly three companies – Sad Trading and Contracting Company, Saudi Ogre Ltd and Bin Laden – facing up to the threat of erratic supply of food, non-renewal of resident permits, restricted movement and nonpayment of their dues.
In their reports, the Foreign Office and the OPF said that on the directives of the prime minister, the Pakistan Baitul Mal has started payment of Rs50,000 to the family of each affected Pakistani worker.
So far, about 6,000 families have been paid the said amount and the community welfare attaches and other consular employees are in close contact with the affected workers and the Saudi authorities.
According to the OPF, legal aid is being provided to the workers and their accounts are being reconciled with the help of respective employers companies.
The grievance commissioner has further called for expediting the process of documenting workers’ claims. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Pakistan Mission have said If any affected Pakistani worker wishes to change the employer, he will be allowed so without any fee or production of NOC from his present employer so that he may work in Saudi Arabia and look after his case for settlement of dues.
On the other hand, if an employer wishes to return to the country, he may be allowed to give power of attorney to the Embassy of Pakistan to look after his benefits.
Khokhar said all-out efforts should be made to ensure that all outstanding salaries and dues are cleared by the companies in the shortest possible time and each and every penny of the workers is secured and returned to them.
He lauded the steps taken by the Saudi monarch towards creation of a fund of 100 million Saudi riyal to address the grievances of distressed workers by the companies, particularly those who have signed contracts with the government.
The next meeting on the issue will be held after two weeks and in the meanwhile all government agencies have been advised to draft standing order procedures (SOPs) in view of the findings of Ombudsman Secretariat to avoid such situation if future.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2016.
Federal Ombudsman Salman Faruqui has advised the authorities concerned to take urgent measures to ease the suffering of Pakistani workers stranded in Saudi Arabia, The Express Tribune has learnt.
In an effort to chalk out an effective strategy, senior adviser (Law) / Grievance Commissioner Hafiz Ahsaan Ahmed Khokhar has called a meeting of ministries of foreign affairs, overseas Pakistanis, Overseas Pakistanis Foundation (OPF) and the Bureau of Emigration.
There are more than 13,000 workers of particularly three companies – Sad Trading and Contracting Company, Saudi Ogre Ltd and Bin Laden – facing up to the threat of erratic supply of food, non-renewal of resident permits, restricted movement and nonpayment of their dues.
In their reports, the Foreign Office and the OPF said that on the directives of the prime minister, the Pakistan Baitul Mal has started payment of Rs50,000 to the family of each affected Pakistani worker.
So far, about 6,000 families have been paid the said amount and the community welfare attaches and other consular employees are in close contact with the affected workers and the Saudi authorities.
According to the OPF, legal aid is being provided to the workers and their accounts are being reconciled with the help of respective employers companies.
The grievance commissioner has further called for expediting the process of documenting workers’ claims. The Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Pakistan Mission have said If any affected Pakistani worker wishes to change the employer, he will be allowed so without any fee or production of NOC from his present employer so that he may work in Saudi Arabia and look after his case for settlement of dues.
On the other hand, if an employer wishes to return to the country, he may be allowed to give power of attorney to the Embassy of Pakistan to look after his benefits.
Khokhar said all-out efforts should be made to ensure that all outstanding salaries and dues are cleared by the companies in the shortest possible time and each and every penny of the workers is secured and returned to them.
He lauded the steps taken by the Saudi monarch towards creation of a fund of 100 million Saudi riyal to address the grievances of distressed workers by the companies, particularly those who have signed contracts with the government.
The next meeting on the issue will be held after two weeks and in the meanwhile all government agencies have been advised to draft standing order procedures (SOPs) in view of the findings of Ombudsman Secretariat to avoid such situation if future.
Published in The Express Tribune, October 9th, 2016.