There is uncertainty still over the number of retrenched persons from Kerala living in labour camps in Saudi Arabia. According to unofficial sources, there are about 300 Keralities living in these camps. Neither is any clarity on the number of these persons willing to return.
The Non-Resident Keralites’ Affairs Department (NORKA), the agency that coordinates welfare activities of people from the State, is unsure of the numbers as it does not have the means to take stock of the situation directly and is banking on inputs provided by regional associations of Keralites.
According to the representative of one such organisation who claimed to have visited the camps, some 300 people from the State are in these camps, said NORKA Secretary Usha Titus.
She said she hoped that a clear picture would emerge after Union Minister V.K. Singh’s visit to the country.
The External Affairs Ministry has been in touch with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Labour to ensure the companies clear salary arrears.
Most of the Kerala workers might stay back if they are paid the wages and if they get an opportunity to work there, Dr. Titus said.
The conditions in the labour camps, an official said, were better as the workers are provided food and other facilities.
Some of the Indian companies which are operating in the Gulf countries have come forward to help those laid off.
