Hyderabad, 29 July
Indian Workers in Saudi Arabia Face Major Risks: Hyderabad Workshop Calls for Safer Migration
A stakeholder workshop in Secunderabad on Wednesday, July 29, called for stronger measures to ensure safe and fair migration of Indian workers to Saudi Arabia, with participants raising concerns over recruitment fraud, wage exploitation, visa misuse and gaps in legal protection.
The workshop was held at Royal Reve Hotel in Secunderabad and brought together experts and organisations working on migrant welfare and overseas employment.
Recruitment fraud, wage exploitation under focus
Jointly organised by the Centre for Indian Migrant Studies (CIMS) and the Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), the workshop brought together Saudi case handlers, representatives of government recruitment agencies, legal experts and migrant welfare groups.
The participants examined recurring challenges faced by Indian workers in Saudi Arabia and discussed ways to strengthen protection mechanisms.
Among those attending were Swadesh Parikipandla, a member of the Telangana NRI Advisory Committee from Nirmal district, and Sampath Kumar, a former adviser to the Embassy of Canada.
Through case-study discussions, participants identified several systemic problems affecting Indian migrant workers and proposed measures to address them.
Wage delays and contract changes leave workers vulnerable
Delayed payment of wages and changes to employment contracts after workers arrive in Saudi Arabia emerged as major concerns during the discussions. Indian Workers in Saudi Arabia Face Major Risks: Hyderabad Workshop Calls for Safer Migration.
Participants said such practices can leave migrant workers facing financial hardship and workplace disputes, particularly when they lack proper documentation to support their claims.
The workshop highlighted that 90.9 per cent of affected workers did not have copies of their employment contracts or monthly payslips. According to the discussions, the absence of these documents can significantly weaken workers’ ability to pursue claims before labour courts and other dispute resolution bodies.
Experts warn against using visit visas for jobs
Participants also raised concerns over Indians travelling to Saudi Arabia on visit visas for employment.
Experts cautioned that workers entering the Kingdom through such routes may not receive the same legal safeguards available to those recruited through proper employment channels.
The issue was also discussed in relation to skilled professionals, including nurses and healthcare workers, who can face difficulties when recruitment arrangements are not properly verified before departure. Indian Workers in Saudi Arabia Face Major Risks: Hyderabad Workshop Calls for Safer Migration.
Workshop seeks stronger protection for Indian migrants
The workshop stressed that migrant protection should focus not only on resolving complaints after exploitation occurs but also on preventing problems before workers leave India.
Participants emphasised the importance of educating workers about their employment rights and ensuring they preserve important documents such as employment contracts, payslips and other recruitment records.
Experts also recommended expanding legal assistance for distressed Indian workers overseas and improving coordination between government authorities, licensed recruiters, legal professionals and civil society organisations. Indian Workers in Saudi Arabia Face Major Risks: Hyderabad Workshop Calls for Safer Migration.
The participants said stronger cooperation and better awareness could help reduce exploitation and improve the overall safety and protection of Indian migrant workers in Saudi Arabia.