ISLAMABAD: The Saudi government has barred companies from laying off Pakistani workers during the next three months.
The decision to the effect was taken on the request of Special Assistant to Prime Minister on Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development (OP&HRD) Sayed Zulfikar Bukhari, a press release issued by the ministry stated on Tuesday.
Saudi Vice Minister for Labour and Social Development Dr Abdullah bin Nasser Abu Thuniyan, in a video call, assured Bukhari that the Saudi firms would not expel the Pakistani workers during the next three months and pay them salaries during the period. The Saudi government would also ensure full payment of dues to the already laid-off workers, he added.
The Saudi minister also announced free of cost extension in the visas of Pakistani labourers till December.
Both the sides discussed the issues faced by the Pakistani manpower in Saudi Arabia in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.
The SAPM asked the Saudi vice minister to ensure facilitation to the Pakistani workers in every possible way.
The two sides agreed to remain in constant contact during the prevailing situation. The resumption of flight operations between the two countries also came under discussion.
The Saudi vice minister also informed the SAPM about his government’s decisions to extend the entry and exit visas of Pakistani nationals and free of charge services for transfer of remittances to Pakistan through STC pay.
Zulfikar Bukhari expressed his gratitude for the cooperation extended by the Saudi government. “We want to fulfil every need of our nationals in the trying times,” he said.
