RIYADH: A cleaning company has allegedly dumped a group of 20 Indian workers in Riyadh without food, accommodation and legal documents such as Iqamas (residence permits) and their passports. The workers, who came from different states in India, arrived in Saudi Arabia in April. Saudi labor law makes it mandatory for workers to be provided with accommodation, transport and medical insurance. The workers complained that the recruiting agent in India signed a contract that stipulated a basic salary of SR900 per month but they were later told they would only earn SR600. They were recruited to work as cleaning staff at either the airport or hospitals in Riyadh. However, upon their arrival they were sent to work in Tabuk, they claimed. In an alleged further violation, the company that won the contract from the municipality made them work as street cleaners. The contracting company could not be reached for comment. The workers were not provided with Iqamas or health insurance cards. The most disturbing part of their stay during the past six months was the non-payment of salaries. “How can we survive without a monthly salary? We do not have money even to buy food. We got food on credit from a grocery store in our locality in Tabuk,” said Ramzan Ali, one of the workers. Ali said he borrowed money from his relatives to pay his medical bills. “The doctors told me I am anemic. I am getting weaker every day simply because I cannot get good food and medicine,” he said. “I have been sick for the past two months with high fever and have no money for treatment.” Some of the workers have received part payment of their salaries. The amounts ranged from SR200 to SR300. Ali said when they demanded their unpaid salaries the company's management sent them to Riyadh.
