Nitaqat: Fresh drive to help illegal Indian workers in Saudi Arabia

November 7, 2013

Riyadh, Nov 7: India has launched fresh efforts to help those who could not avail a seven-month amnesty for illegal foreign workers in Saudi Arabia, whose new labour law has resulted in nearly 1.35 lakh Indians leaving the Kingdom.

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The number of Indians who left during the grace period till October-end is 134,281, the Indian Embassy here said in a statement.

During this period, 434,667 Indians transferred their services to other firms, 481,233 Indians changed their jobs or profession and over 470,000 Indians renewed their licenses or job permits.

Under Saudi Arabia's new labour policy, Nitaqat, 10 % of jobs, even in small and medium business establishments, should be reserved for Saudi nationals.

"The Embassy is fully aware of its responsibility to ensure the welfare of more than 2.8 million Indians currently resident in this country," said Deputy Chief of Mission Sibi George.

"We will continue our efforts to help each and every Indian in Saudi Arabia, within the rules and regulations of this friendly country," he said after yesterday's meeting with volunteers registered with the diplomatic mission and officials deployed at Saudi labour offices.

There are over 600 registered volunteers who are working along with Arabic-speaking officials at labour offices across the country to help Indians workers. A 24-hour helpline is also open.

The grace period, announced on April 3 and extended for four months, ended on Sunday.

Foreigners who have not corrected labour and residency status are being arrested and deported from the Gulf Kingdom.

The 2.8 million plus strong Indians in Saudi Arabia is the largest expatriate community in the country.

Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi said yesterday that the government is closely watching the situation in Saudi Arabia with 1.34 lakh Indian workers already returning to the homeland.

Meanwhile, a delegation from India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry in India held the second review meeting of India-Saudi Arabia Joint Commission here yesterday. The team also included representatives from the Ministries of Labour and Interior.

Saudi Arabia is the world's largest oil exporter and has the Arab world's largest economy with a bilateral trade of more than $ 43 billion with India.

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December 19,2025

Mangaluru: The Mangaluru CEN police have arrested a 23-year-old man for allegedly posting provocative and misleading content on an Instagram page named “mr_a_titude”, targeting the Bajpe police.

Mangaluru Commissioner of Police Sudheer Kumar Reddy C H identified the arrested as Abhishek M, a resident of Katipalla in Mangaluru.

A case has been registered at the Bajpe Police Station under Sections 353(1)(c), 353(2), 56, and 57 read with Section 189 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in connection with the post.

According to police, the accused uploaded a photograph of a hotel on the Instagram page and alleged that accused persons in a murder case under the Bajpe police jurisdiction were being given “royal treatment” by the police, including being served beef meals daily from the hotel.

The post further accused the police of supporting criminals, misusing their authority, and betraying public trust. Police said the content was provocative in nature and aimed at inciting public outrage against the police.

Following the post, a case was registered at the Bajpe police station, and further investigation was transferred to the CEN police station.

Police records indicate that the accused has a criminal history, with multiple cases registered against him, including murder, attempt to murder, assault, and robbery at the Surathkal Police Station, and one case at the Kaup Police Station.

The Commissioner said the accused was traced and arrested using technical evidence.

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December 16,2025

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Melkar (Bantwal): The 9th Annual Day celebration of SMR Public School, titled “EXCELLENTIA”, was held on December 15 with great enthusiasm and dignity, marking a significant milestone in the institution’s journey towards academic excellence and holistic development.

The programme was inaugurated by Dr. U. T. Iftikar Ali. The chief guests were Dr. Akhtar Hussain, Mr. P. Moosabba Beary, Mr. Zakaria Jokattre, and Dr. T. M. Abdul Rahuf—whose inspiring addresses motivated the students and appreciated the school’s contributions to education.

Mr. Abdul Nasir, Mr. Ibrahim Gadiyar, Mr. Razak Golthamajal, Mr. Sali Koya, Mr. Arshad Hussain, Mr. Ismail Balanoor, Mr. Feroz Bawa, Mr. Sahul Hameed, Mr. Abubakkar, Mr. Hameed K. Mani, Mr. Abdul Majeed (Principal, Melkar Women’s College), and Mr. Abdul Lathief (Former Principal, Melkar Women’s College) were the guests of honour.

The Annual Report was presented by the Headmistress, Ms. Fathimathul Zaheera, highlighting the school’s achievements and progress during the academic year. The Presidential Address was delivered by the Chairman of SMR Public School, Dr. Haji S. M. Rasheed, who emphasised the vital role of education in shaping students’ futures and stressed the importance of discipline, dedication, and consistent effort in achieving 100 per cent academic results.

Secretary of SMR Public School, Mr. Rifath Ahmed, and PTA President, Mr. Sandeep Kumar, were also present on the occasion.

The Annual Day celebration showcased the collective efforts of students and teachers and reaffirmed the school’s commitment to quality education and all-round development. The programme concluded with a vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries, parents, and well-wishers for their support. The 9th Annual Day—EXCELLENTIA—was a memorable and successful event, leaving a lasting impression on everyone present. 

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December 15,2025

Mangaluru police have arrested a 27-year-old NRI on his return from Saudi Arabia in connection with an Instagram post allegedly containing derogatory and provocative remarks about the Hindu religion, officials said on Monday.

The accused, Abdul Khader Nehad, a resident of Ulaibettu in Mangaluru, was working in Saudi Arabia when the post was uploaded, police said.

A suo motu case was registered at the Bajpe police station on October 11 after an allegedly offensive post circulated from the Instagram account ‘team_sdpi_2025’. Police said the content was flagged for being provocative and derogatory in nature.

During the investigation, technical analysis traced the Instagram post to Nehad, who was residing abroad at the time, a senior police officer said. Based on these findings, a Look Out Circular (LOC) was issued against him.

On December 14, Nehad arrived from Saudi Arabia at Calicut International Airport in Kerala, where he was taken into custody on arrival. Police said further investigation is underway.

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