Construction worker’s kin seek help to track him
The worker, Srinivas went to Iraq with a friend without informing his family
Hyderabad: Srinivas, a 24-year-old construction worker from East Godavari, is stranded in Iraq, informed the National Domestic Workers Union. Mr Srinivas’ relative approached the union asking for help to track him down and contact the embassy to get him back to India.
The relative also informed that Mr Srinivas had left with a friend, but since they do not know his passport number, they were approaching the ministry and the Protection Of Emigrant (POE) wing to help track him.
“We are approaching the local leaders for help. Srinivas went to Iraq with a friend without informing his family. The family only found out about it from the friend’s family. We do not even know Srinivas’ passport number,” said Sister Lissy Joseph, coordinator, National Domestic Workers’ Union.
The General Administration (NRI) Department has established a helpline number to find out if workers or migrants are trapped in Iraq and require help, including evacuation.
The officials said that they are receiving an estimated 100 calls throughout the day. “Many are calling to enquire about their relatives stranded in Iraq, while some are calling to provide details of their family members to trace them. Some people have been calling to inform us that they are safe,” an officer said.
M. Bheem Reddy, vice-president, Migrants Rights Council, said despite there being tension, the government was still allowing people to go to Iraq.
“Just a day ago, over 30 Telugu speaking people went to Basra,” he said.