Indian 120 labor stranded in Jordan: (Report by Gaurav Priyankar): 120 laborers who went to Jordan from India in search of livelihood are stuck there. These include workers from many states including Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh and Odisha. Many of these workers had gone abroad two years ago. Some of these workers have passports, while there are some whose passports are deposited with the company. The workers claim that they have not received their salaries for the last four months.
Bihar laborer narrated his ordeal
Mohammed Junaid, a resident of Sitamarhi, Bihar, who was among the labourers, contacted Haribhumami. He has fully disclosed this in the conversation. The workers say that earlier an assurance was given by the company that they would be paid their salaries. Similarly, they have been postponed month after month. Later, when the workers insisted on their salaries, the company gave up. According to the workers, they are living in Saheb Al Tamash area of Jordan.
Delhi company had hired
According to the workers, they were hired by a Delhi based company named Tea Garments. He was appointed through this Delhi company. After this, he was working in two companies there, Asil Garments and High Apparel, for more than a year. Initially he was getting salary. However, four months ago the company started showing reluctance in paying salaries. At first they were assured that their salaries would be paid soon, but even after four months they were not paid.
About 500 laborers in difficult times
Along with more than 120 Indian laborers stranded in Jordan, a large number of laborers from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka are also included. Information has been received that about 500 laborers from India and neighboring countries are stranded here. Some of these are also workers from countries which have friendly relations with India. The workers say that they are very worried. They are somehow getting food, but are not able to get water. In such a situation, they are not able to get water even for important daily tasks like going to toilet and bathing.
What is the relationship between Iqama and work permit in Jordan?
Iqama is issued to migrant workers working in Saudi Arabia and Gulf countries. On the basis of this Iqama, they can obtain on arrival visa in Jordan. The stranded laborers say that they were working here on the basis of this Iqama. Now his Iqama period has ended. This is the reason why workers are not able to take any kind of legal action against the company which is not paying them salaries at the local level. Along with this, some laborers were also working there on the basis of work permit and work visa. Work permit is an important document that ensures that foreign workers, including Indians, are legally authorized to work in Jordan while complying with the country’s labor laws and regulations.
Now the embassy has switched off the phone
The workers claim that they have contacted the Indian Embassy several times. However, despite repeated requests, no response is being given from their side. The workers claim that earlier their phones used to be picked up by embassy officials. However, for the last few days the Embassy has also stopped picking up the phone. In such a situation, the workers fear that some kind of untoward incident might happen to them. The workers are repeatedly appealing to be called back to India.
What did the Indian Embassy in Jordan say?
After being contacted by the Indian Embassy in Jordan, the First Secretary of the Jordan Embassy said in a message that we are aware of the issue. The company they are working for is facing some financial problems. The issue is being dealt with by the Jordanian authorities. The Embassy is monitoring the matter for early settlement of the dues by the company.
