RIYADH — Indian Ambasador Hamid Ali Rao Monday called on Minister of Labor Adel Fakieh and discussed the welfare of the Indian community in Saudi Arabia in the context of the Nitaqat program. Ambassador Rao recalled the excellent bilateral relations between India and Saudi Arabia. He thanked Fakieh for the decision by Custodian of Two Holy Mosques King Abdullah to give three-month grace period for those affected by the Nitaqat program to correct their legal status in Saudi Arabia. The embassy of India also urged all Indian nationals affected by the Nitaqat program to fully utilize the grace period announced by the Saudi authorities to correct their visa status. Those cases where people are not able to correct their legal status may approach the embassy for assistance. The embassy also urged all Indian nationals wanting to leave Saudi Arabia but do not have valid documents to obtain final exit from Saudi authorities also to register with the embassy by submitting their Emergency Certificate (EC) application forms. — SG
