Saudi law a hurdle in rescuing T.N. fishermen, Centre tells HC

The External Affairs Ministry has informed the Madras High Court that employment laws in Saudi Arabia were tough compared to other countries and hence there was a delay in bringing back 62 Tamil Nadu fishermen stranded in the country. The fishermen had accused their employer of ill-treating them and refusing to return their passports.

What is it all about?

A sponsorship system called Kafala, which regulated residency and employment of foreign workers, is followed in Saudi Arabia. Because of this no employee can get in or get out of the country without the consent of the employer.

Background:

The submission was made during the hearing of a habeas corpus petition filed by a relative of a stranded fisherman. Early this year, the fisherman had circulated a video through WhatsApp highlighting their poor plight.