This was almost ten years ago when Abdul Rahim* went to Saudi Arabia for a better livelihood. A security guard, Rahim, was promised a salary of 1200 Saudi Riyals (around 15-17000 rupees Indian rupees then) in his contract. For the same job in India, he wouldn’t be earning more than 7000 rupees. 

At a time when more than 10,000 Indian labourers in Saudi Arabia have been deserted by their company and left without money and food, Rahim’s story throws some light on the darkest corners of abuse and maltreatment workers face, not only in Saudi Arabia but in the entire Gulf region. 

While the Indian government has taken notice of the matter and has sent supplies to the money-less workers, Rahim says he had to tolerate whatever came his way because of “good money.” 

Here’s Rahim’s experience in Saudi Arabia in his own words. 

I spent 8 years in Saudi Arabia working as a security guard. The dream of good money and chance of saving for my family back home had led me out of my country. I must confess I was excited to work in a foreign country.

I was promised a salary of 1200 Saudi Riyals when I applied for the job but I was given only 900. It was after a period of 8 months I was finally given my promised salary.  

Feature image source: Representational Image/Life In Saudi Arabia Blog-spot