Why Are Nepali Workers Stranded in Saudi Arabia?
A humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Saudi Arabia’s Eastern Province, where 469 Nepali migrant workers have been stuck for over three months without pay, valid residency permits, or a way to return home. Despite repeated pleas, the Nepal government has not taken any concrete action to rescue them.
What Happened in Jubail?
These workers were employed by Sendan International Company in Jubail, Saudi Arabia. The company officially shut down operations on February 15, 2025, after internal partner disputes. It left more than 11,000 workers jobless, including over 4,500 Nepalis—of which 469 remain trapped without salary or valid visas.
No Salary, No Exit Papers
Many of these workers have gone without pay for up to 8 months. Worse, their residency permits (Iqama) have not been renewed. Saudi law requires companies to renew worker residency every month by paying 1,000 Riyals (~NPR 36,000). Without this, workers cannot change employers or apply for final exit.
Even though their families are ready to fund return tickets, they cannot leave without final exit documents—which require a valid residency permit.
Labor Court Petitions Ignored
All 469 workers filed a petition under Saudi Arabia’s labor court process (known as Lapche), which usually allows return within 7–15 days. However, nearly 3 months have passed and not a single worker has received their final exit clearance. The excuse given: “server is down.”
Visas Nearing Expiration
In the next 38 days, their two-year work visas will expire. If they’re not rescued, they will become illegal residents, facing arrest or deportation.
Living Like Prisoners
Workers are currently being fed just two meals a day—plain rice and lentils. Many are ill, with no access to healthcare. With unpaid wages and expired documents, they are completely stuck.
Embassy and Government Remain Silent
A staff member from the Nepali Embassy in Riyadh briefly visited a month ago but never followed up. Victims and families report zero communication since. There is growing criticism of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Parliament for remaining silent.
Public Appeal: Act Now
Migrant rights groups and Nepali citizens are calling for urgent diplomatic action to:
- Recover unpaid salaries
- Issue final exit permits immediately
- Ensure dignified repatriation—at the company’s or government’s expense
The hashtag #RescueNepaliWorkers is trending on social media to raise awareness and pressure the government into action.
Conclusion: Don’t Let Them Be Forgotten
These 469 Nepalis went abroad legally, not through illegal channels. They followed the rules, hoping to uplift their families. Now, they are starving, stranded, and forgotten. The Nepal government must act—before it’s too late.
