V.K. Singh in Saudi Arabia to assess situation of stranded workers

New Delhi: With thousands of Indians reeling under severe financial crisis in Saudi Arabia after losing their jobs, minister of state for external affairs V.K. Singh arrived in Saudi Arabia on Wednesday to assess the situation and finalize modalities to bring back those who want to return to India.

Ahead of Singh’s visit, the Indian embassy there launched an initiative to collect details of the Indians laid off by their employers.

Currently, a total of 7,700 affected Indian workers are living in 20 camps and the embassy is in the process of collecting information about others residing in different parts of Saudi Arabia.

External affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said his on-the-ground assessment would determine the future course of action.

Thousands of Indian workers have lost their jobs due to slowdown in Saudi economy, triggered by low oil prices and cut in spending by the government of that country. The Indian mission has provided food to Indians who could not afford it.