Indian workers facing severe food shortage in Saudi Arabia

Indian Consulate provides food to Indian workers

WEB DESK/

Thousands of Indian workers in Saudi Arabia are facing severe food shortage after losing their jobs. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj has appealed to 30 lakh Indians in this country to help their fellow brothers and sisters.

However they have been provided food by the Indian Consulate in Jeddah. The Consulate and Indian community’s food stuff distribution mission is taksed to do this job.

The Consulate said this in a tweet adding that an effort of last four days succeeded well.

In a humanitarian crisis, over 10,000 Indian workers in Saudi Arabia are facing severe food shortage to financial hardship after losing their jobs. The government has ordered its mission in the Gulf nation to provide food to them besides other assistance.

Low oil prices have forced the Saudi government to slash spending since last year, putting heavy pressure on the finances of local construction firms which rely on state contracts.

As a result, some companies have been struggling to pay foreign workers and have laid off tens of thousands, leaving many with no money for food let alone for tickets home.

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj on Saturday said over 10,000 Indians in Saudi Arabia and Kuwait were facing a “food crisis” because of economic hardships, while appealing to an estimated 3 millions Indians living in Saudi Arabia for help.

1. In reply to Mallick

   Sushma Swaraj ‏@SushmaSwaraj 15h15 hours ago

   Yes we have 30 lakh (3 million) Indians in Saudi Arabia. @munaeem
2. Sushma Swaraj ‏@SushmaSwaraj Jul 30

   There is nothing mightier than the collective will of Indian nation.
3. Sushma Swaraj ‏@SushmaSwaraj Jul 30

   I appeal to 30 lakhs Indians in Saudi Arabia. Please help your fellow brothers and sisters. /1