CPN(UML) Chief Whip Bartaula calls government to rescue Nepali workers stranded in Saudi Arabia

Kathmandu: Chief Whip of the CPN (UML), Mahesh Kumar Bartaula, has called attention to the government to rescue the Nepali stranded in Saudi Arabia after the closure of the company they were working.

Speaking during the ‘call attention hour’ in the meeting of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, he drew the government’s attention to the fact that 469 Nepali workers have been stranded after the closure of Sandran International Company Limited in the Jubail City of Saudi Arabia, urging for immediate rescue and assistance.

‘Among the 469 workers who became unemployed when the employer company closed, 226 workers want to return to Nepal. They have expressed their intention to return to Nepal by contacting the embassy there,’ said Bartula.

He added that among those rendered homeless, 243 requested to arrange for employing them in other companies. Stating that the Nepali workers have reportedly not received their salaries for two to nine months since the closure of the company.

Lawmaker Bartaula informed the House that despite repeatedly drawing the management’s attention to the issue of salaries, no action has been taken. ‘Those Nepalis rendered jobless are currently staying in the camp. They are facing a food shortage, some have fallen ill, and have not received medical treatment,’ said MP Bartaula.

According to him, those wishing to return to Nepal have not been able to come back home as their visa term has expired. ‘I urge the government to mobilize quickly for the rescue of those Nepalis and provide the necessary assistance and facilitation.’

RSS