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2 Indian labourers freed from captivity in Saudi Arabia

Two Indian labourers - Gaffar Mohammed and Vishram Jatav - who were allegedly held captive by a Saudi Arabia-based firm in the port city of Yanbu, have been released after a long wait of eight months. The duo who hail from Rajasthan left for Sharjah from Jeddah Airport on Wednesday evening. They will arrive in India on Thursday

Two Indian labourers - Gaffar Mohammed and Vishram Jatav
Two Indian labourers - Gaffar Mohammed and Vishram Jatav

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Published : Jun 24, 2021, 8:04 AM IST

Updated : Jun 24, 2021, 10:28 AM IST

Bundi (Rajasthan): Gaffar, a resident of Nainwa in Bundi district and Vishram Jatav, a resident of Katara village of Nadbai, Bharatpur, will reach Jaipur on Thursday morning from Saudi Arabia's Yanbu. Both the men who were allegedly held captive by their employer were freed on Wednesday after a long wait of eight months. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Congress leader Charmesh Sharma who had been trying his best for the release of the two men for 4 months had also appealed to President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister's Office and Ministry of External Affairs to ensure their safe return. The Congress leader alleged that the work agreement of the men with the employer had expired in November 2020 and that they were being detained under inhuman conditions, which is a violation of human rights and international law.

In a video released from the airport prior to leaving for India, both the men expressed their joy and thanked Congress leader Charmesh Sharma for having helped them out during their time of distress. They also thanked the Government of India for having intervened in the matter and for ensuring their safe return. Also, the company paid both the labourers their outstanding salaries which were withheld earlier for several months.

2 Indian labourers freed from captivity in Saudi Arabia

Read:Man in Saudi Arabia appeals for help to return to India

It is learnt that Vishram Jatav and Ghaffar Mohammad had left for Saudi Arabia in search of work a few years back. On having found a job, the employer had made a work agreement of 2 years with them. However, on completion of the 2-year work agreement in October 2020, when the men expressed their desire to return home, they were allegedly held captive. Sadly, the men who were not even provided food managed to live by eating the leftovers provided by their colleagues.

Last Updated : Jun 24, 2021, 10:28 AM IST

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