12/10/2020
Saudi returnees stake claim to severance pay - The Hindu
“I have been working there for 14 years. On the day before our return flight, they said we
would have to sign in several forms if we wanted our passport and ticket. They told us that
the entire severance pay would be credited to us. Nothing has reached us yet. I was hoping
to clear my debts with this money. I have filed a complaint with the non-resident Keralites’
cell,” says Rajan (name changed), an employee.
What the law states
According to the Article 84 of the Saudi Labour Law, “upon the end of the work relation, the
employer shall pay the worker an end-of-service award of a half-month wage for each of
the first five years and a one-month wage for each of the following years.” A worker is
entitled to the package upon completion of a year’s service.
Some employees have filed police complaints in their districts. LBB India has already
submitted memorandums to the Chief Ministers of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Bihar and Uttar
Pradesh requesting their immediate intervention. It has also submitted a request to the
Union Minister of External Affairs to take action on the issue.
Way to proceed
“The Indian missions abroad maintain a panel of lawyers to provide legal assistance in such
cases. Workers who have exited the country without registering a labour case can give
Power of Attorney to the mission to pursue their case. The Saudi law stipulates that the
labour claims have to be made within one year of end of service,” says K.R. Subhash
Chandran, convener, LBB.
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/saudi-returnees-stake-claim-to-severance-pay/article32821287.ece
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