Saudi govt bars companies from laying off Pakistani workers

ISLAMABAD: The Saudi government has decided to bar companies from laying off Pakistani workers for the next three months, announced the Ministry of Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development on Tuesday.

A press release issued by the ministry stated that the decision by the Saudi kingdom was taken at the request of Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Zulfikar Bukhari.

Saudi Vice Minister for Labour and Social Development Dr Abdullah bin Nasser Abu Thuniyan, in a video conference call, assured SAPM Bukhari that the Saudi firms would not expel the Pakistani workers for the next three months and pay them salaries during the period.

The Saudi government will also ensure full payment of dues to the already laid-off workers, assured the minister. The Saudi minister also announced free of cost extension in the visas of Pakistani labourers till December.

Also read: UAE to extend visas for Pakistani nationals amid coronavirus outbreak

Both sides discussed the issues faced by the Pakistani manpower in Saudi Arabia in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.

During the meeting, Bokhari also asked the Saudi vice minister to ensure facilitation to Pakistani workers in every possible way.

Both agreed to remain in constant contact during the prevailing situation. The resumption of flight operations between the two countries also came under discussion.

The Saudi vice minister informed Bokhari about his government’s decisions to extend the entry and exit visas of Pakistani nationals and free of charge services for transfer of remittances to Pakistan through STC pay.

Zulfikar Bukhari expressed his gratitude for the cooperation extended by the Saudi government. “We want to fulfill every need of our nationals in the trying times,” he said.