New Delhi: Union Food Processing Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal urged External Affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar to take up the issue of repatriation of more than 350 Punjabi youth, who were languishing in Malaysia even after completion of their jail term.
According to reports, the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP from Bathinda, spoke to EAM Jaishankar on behalf of Punjabi residents jailed in Malaysia for illegal stay.
On Saturday, families of around 350 Punjabi youth met Harsimrat Badal and stated that their kin were presently detained in camps after completion of their prison sentences.
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The minister said that the youth had been duped by travel agents who had taken them to Malaysia on the pretext of providing them employment. She also said that youth had to fend for themselves and in the process they over-stayed in Malaysia after expiry of their visas.
The SAD legislator also called up the Indian high commissioner in Malaysia on the spot asking them to help the stranded citizens in every way possible and ensure their safety and security.
She also requested the high commissioner to depute an officer from the Embassy to visit the youth and facilitate their communication with their families in Punjab.
Badal also assured the family members that she would take up the case with the External Affairs minister and ensure the youth were repatriated as soon as possible.
