Indian Consulate in Dubai offer help to 300 unpaid NRI workers

Agencies

June 28, 2019

Dubai, Jun 28: Consulate General of India in Dubai has stepped in to resolve the issue of over 300 expat workers of a private firm here, who were struggling to make ends meet as they have not received their salaries for several months, the media reported.

The workers, many of them from India, are facing extreme shortage of food and health issues due to stress. Many of them want to return to India, but have their visas expired, which the employer has refused to renew.

Indian Consul-General Vipul told the Khaleej Times on Thursday that a team of officials from the consulate visited the company's office and the employer had promised them to resolve the issue soon.

"The employer said he ran into business issues and that is why he was unable to pay the workers. However, he has promised that he will resolve the issue soon and has already dispatched one-month salary to some of the workers. He said he would be arranging the dues of all the workers soon and we will be following up with him...," said Vipul.

For the immediate relief of the workers, the Abu Dhabi-based charity Dar Al Ber Society (Dabs) distributed food items and conducted a medical camp at their accommodation on Wednesday.

According to the workers, the crisis began a little over a year ago when they started experiencing delays in getting salaries.

While some said they haven't received salaries for three months, some others said they have gone without salary for five or more months.

Indian worker Prem Sagar said that he has been pleading the company to accept his resignation for more than a year.

"My wife is suffering from cancer and I want to return to my family. I haven't received my salary for over three months. My visa and Emirates ID are expired and I have no money to pay for my overstay fine..."

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Warning! Cancer-causing chemicals found in bakery products, especially cakes in Karnataka

News Network

October 3,2024

Bengaluru: The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department has issued an urgent warning following the discovery of potentially cancer-causing chemicals in cakes sold by certain bakeries across the state.

Recent tests conducted by the department revealed that some cake samples, particularly those with vibrant colors, contain harmful synthetic coloring agents such as Allura Red, a substance known to pose health risks. The findings have raised concerns about the use of artificial colors in bakery products, especially given their potential link to cancer and other serious health conditions.

"We routinely test various food products, and this time, our officials noticed unusually dark-colored cakes on the market," said Srinivas K, Commissioner of Food Safety for Karnataka. "Upon testing, we found that a few cakes contained Allura Red, a synthetic dye associated with health risks."

The use of artificial colors, especially in popular cakes like red velvet and pineapple varieties, is widespread as it attracts customers, particularly children. However, many bakers prefer using natural, safer alternatives, while some opt for synthetic dyes to enhance the cake's visual appeal.

"Most bakeries use permissible, natural colors that are safe for consumption. Unfortunately, a few are resorting to synthetic dyes just to make their cakes more attractive," said a bakery owner from Electronic City, speaking anonymously.

Medical experts are warning that consuming synthetic colors can lead to numerous health issues, including asthma and allergic reactions.

"Some of these artificial dyes are carcinogenic, and prolonged exposure could have serious consequences, especially for children and young adults," cautioned Dr. Vandana G, a private medical practitioner.

While the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) confirms that only a limited number of samples tested positive for harmful colors, legal action is being taken against the violators.

"There is no need for widespread panic or halting production. We are closely monitoring the situation, and only a few bakeries were found to be non-compliant. Rest assured, appropriate legal measures are underway," assured an FSSAI official.

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