Illegal Indian workers in Saudi Arabia desperate to return home

February 4, 2014

Riyadh, Feb 4: A group of Indian cleaners in Saudi Arabia, living in pathetic conditions after their work contracts expired two years ago, are desperate to return home.

The workers, mostly from the Indian states of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, said they were recruited by a maintenance and contracting company in Taif city in Mecca Province in 2010, but have since then not been paid their salaries on time and were denied their residency permits, the Arab News reported Monday. Taif Municipality's cleaning project is under a contractor.

"We are just exhausted and frustrated. We do not want to stay anymore with our employer and we want to return home," one of the workers was quoted as saying.

The workers said the employer has not handed over their iqamas, residency permits given to expatriates in Saudi Arabia, to them since their arrival in the country four years ago and last week one of their colleagues was detained by security forces during a campaign against illegal residents.

They said it was common practice among municipality cleaning companies across the country not to hand over iqamas to the cleaners as a precautionary measure to prevent them from fleeing their jobs.

The workers went on strike twice for non-payment of wages and for not getting their iqamas.

Last year, police had to intervene to quell a protest by these workers.

Taif Municipality has not renewed the cleaning contract of the company which expired in October 2013 due to poor work record and frequent labour strikes that resulted in garbage piling up in the hill resort city. Since then, the condition of these workers has further aggravated.

The workers said they get only 600 Saudi riyals (around $160) per month and that too was not paid on time, pushing them into extremely difficult conditions.

"We are without iqama or money. We had asked the Indian consulate in Jeddah for help and they had advised us to come over to Jeddah to lodge an official complaint, but due to having no iqama we simply couldn't travel," one of them said.

They alleged that their employer was trying to send them to other companies in major cities now.

They alleged that they were brought to Jeddah for a few days then moved back to Taif, and again after a few weeks they were taken to Riyadh to work in some other companies.

"We are being moved all around without iqama in our employer's transport vehicle and only the driver has papers," the worker said.

They said one of their colleagues, V Bhoomaih, who was detained by Riyadh police a week ago for not having Iqama, is still in the lock-up.

"Since then we are not stepping outside for fear of arrest as massive inspection is taking place in some areas of Riyadh city," one of the workers said.

The workers have requested the Indian embassy in Riyadh to help them return to India.

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Philanthropist, Visionary Entrepreneur, A K Group Founder M Ahmed passes away

coastaldigest.com news network

October 8,2024

Mangaluru, Oct 8: The city of Mangaluru mourns the loss of M Ahmed, a pioneering businessman, philanthropist, and the Founder Chairman of the AK Group. He passed away on Tuesday morning at the age of 76, leaving behind a legacy that spans decades of service, innovation, and community building.

M Ahmed, also fondly known as A K Ahmed, was a man of humble beginnings who grew into one of the most respected entrepreneurs in South India. He founded the AK Group in 1984, which has since flourished into a multi-faceted business empire. The company, which began as a small frame manufacturing unit, now encompasses a wide range of industries, including plywood, formaldehyde, particle boards, fire-rated products, and more. AK Group's growth extended beyond India, with manufacturing units established in Myanmar and Vietnam.

What began with 18 employees in 1984 has today expanded to provide employment to approximately 3,000 people in India and 400 abroad. M Ahmed’s dedication and vision were instrumental in transforming the company into a market leader, recognized for its high-quality products and innovation. AK Plywood is now one of India’s top plywood manufacturers, and the largest in South India. The company was Karnataka’s first plywood manufacturer to receive ISO certification and has garnered prestigious awards, including the Rising Stars Power Brands Award in London (2017) and the Best Manufacturer Award from MSME Karnataka (2018).

Ahmed’s business success was deeply rooted in values instilled in him during his early years. He worked alongside his father, the late Abdul Khader Moopa, loading sawn timber, and it was from these humble beginnings that he developed his work ethic, pioneering spirit, and respect for time—values that remained the cornerstone of his remarkable career.

His foresight was evident when he recognized the potential of timber from Perumbavoor, Kerala, for plywood and blockboards at a time when it was merely being used as firewood. This strategic move led to the establishment of one of the first frame manufacturing and peeling units there, and soon after, Ahmed launched his own company in Mangaluru, swiftly earning national and international recognition.

Beyond plywood, the AK Group has diversified into multiple industries, including marine food, pharmaceuticals, construction materials, hypermarkets in India and the UAE, and food industries in Indonesia. Under Ahmed’s leadership, the company’s reach expanded, ensuring its position as a formidable player in various sectors.

Ahmed was not only an extraordinary businessman but also a deeply compassionate individual, dedicated to social and religious causes. He served as the founding president of the managing committee of Ihsan Masjid in Mangaluru and established the Highland Educational and Cultural Centre. His philanthropic efforts were as vast as his business ventures, benefiting countless communities both in India and abroad.

His kindness, simplicity, and punctuality were hallmarks of his character. Those who knew him admired his unyielding commitment to excellence, as well as his warmth and generosity. M Ahmed is survived by his wife, three daughters, and four sons, who continue his legacy of philanthropy and social service.

As news of his passing spread, tributes poured in from all sectors of society. Social, religious, and political leaders in Mangaluru expressed their deep sorrow over the loss of a man who dedicated his life to improving the lives of others.

M Ahmed’s journey from humble beginnings to massive success will continue to inspire generations. His life serves as a testament to the power of vision, perseverance, and, above all, integrity.

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