NIZAMABAD: Around 100 Indian workers, including 20 Telugu workers, are stranded in Qatar since the last few months. Closure of a construction company led to the crisis as Indian and Nepali workers, who were engaged in the firm lost their livelihood. Cold response from Indian embassy officials is worsening the situation of the migrant workers.
On the other hand, the families of migrant workers are worried over the safety of their beloved ones. Reportedly, the construction company owners belong to Hyderabad. Hoping a bright and secure future, Indian workers had been working in the company for the last four years. Due to unknown reasons, the company closed and office staff were shifted to other firms in Doha and Qatar.
Speaking to Deccan Chronicle over phone from Qatar, Deva Raj, a stranded migrant worker said that for the last four months, they did not receive wages. “We have approached the Labour Court and the Court in Qatar for the settlement of our wages and other benefits, but in vain,” he lamented.
“There is no proper response from the Indian embassy officials on the issue. It is very difficult to get food and accommodation ,” he said.
Reportedly, the beleaguered company did not return the passports to the migrant workers and they are now illegal migrants in Qatar. The victims explained their pathetic condition to their family members in Nizamabad, Kamareddy and other districts in Telangana. The families urged the district administration and elected representatives to ensure the safe return of the migrant workers from Qatar.
Telangana-Gulf Migrant Workers’ Welfare Association president P.Basanth Reddy brought the issue of Qatar workers to the notice of NRI Minister K.Taraka Rama Rao. He explained the plight of workers as well as their family members in the state. When contacted by this newspaper, Basanth Reddy said that they are waiting for the State Government’s response. “There is provision in Indian embassy for the safe return of Indians if any problem arises abroad,” he explained.
KTR assures help in return of migrants
Gulf Telangana cultural association president P. Basanth Reddy said that NRI minister K. T. Rama Rao assured that the government would ensure the safe return of Telugus stranded in Qatar soon. The association had submitted details of the youths who are unable to return on account of the closure of the construction company they worked in.
Minister G Jagadishwar Reddy and Kamareddy MLA Gampa Govardhan explained the plight of youths and the concerns of their worried families to the minister, Mr Basanth Reddy said.
