The Saudi government has prevented companies from firing Pakistani workers in the next three months.
The decision was made at the request of the Prime Minister’s Special Assistant for Pakistani Overseas and Development Cooperation (OP & HRD), said Zulfikar Bukhari, a ministry press release released Tuesday.
Saudi Deputy Minister for Labor and Social Development, Dr. Abdullah bin Nasser Abu Thuniyan, Bukhari said in a video call that Saudi companies would not identify Pakistani workers and pay them no wages for the next three months.
The Saudi government will also ensure full payment of benefits to those already made redundant, he added.The Saudi minister also announced a free visa extension for Pakistani workers until December.
Both sides discussed the problems faced by Pakistani workers in Saudi Arabia after the coronavirus pandemic.
The SAPM urged the Saudi Deputy Minister to support Pakistani workers in every possible way.
The two sides have agreed to remain in constant contact during the current situation. The resumption of the flight between the two countries was also discussed.
The Saudi Deputy Minister also informed SAPM of his government’s decisions to renew entry and exit visas for Pakistani citizens and free transfer services to Pakistan via STC payment.
Zulfikar Bukhari thanked the Saudi government for its cooperation. “We will meet the needs of our citizens in difficult times,” he said.
