12 January,2011 06:42 AM IST | | Vinod Kumar Menon
Following MiD DAY's report on Indian slaves in Saudi Arabia, Indian national in the Arabu00a0 Kingdom reaches out to those who have been ensnared by fraudulent employers
On Tuesday, 25-year-old Amin Shaikh, who is employed as a back office staff in Saudi Arabia, logged on to MiD DAY's online edition.
After he came across the story on enslaved Indians in Saudi Arabia, ('City boys end up as Saudi camel slaves', January 11, 2011) he was moved to respond, both in words and deeds.
Amin Shaikh
"I really liked the awareness-spreading article in today's MiD DAY about the reality in the Gulf. It alerts those who just dream about Gulf and are ready to do anything to get here.
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I would also like to mention that the agents who do anything for the sake of money should be caught. Really, this is an eye-opening article," he wrote to MiD DAY.
Shaikh, originally from Pydhonie, is being looked upon by many Indians there as a silver lining. He started a website which makes suggestions and provides free tips and advice to Indian and other nationals who have gone to Saudi Arabia, seeking a job (see box).
The website has discussion threads, forums and posts related to visa application procedures, life in Saudi, embassy information, and other instructions for aspirants.
Shaikh said, "I have come across many cases of people who land in Saudi and realise they have been cheated. They find themselves helpless. Although many are living a decent life, a few unlucky ones fall in the hands of fraud agents and sponsors.
Not only Arabs, but even some Indians in power here enjoy harassing people who come from India. Through my website, I just want to make everyone aware about a few things they should keep in mind before boarding or approaching to any agent"
Web to the rescue
Talking about his inspiration for the website, he said, "I came across a website justlanded.com where I read many forums and discussions. I started voicing a few ideas (see box) from my knowledge and experience.
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It is a great platform to share your views as people only log in to seek help. So I thought of creating my own website (Link: https://aminshaikh.webs.com) and make something useful and informative for people," he said.
Embassy mum
Meanwhile officials in the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia admitted receiving complaints from Indians being harassed by Arabs, and that the same is being dealt with by their welfare officers.
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The officer refused to comment further and asked this reporter to mail a questionnaire, for which there was no response.
Shaikh it out
Shaikh's suggestions on his website are helpful for young aspirants looking for before taking up a job offer in Gulf:
1) Before signing any contract in a language you do not understand, get it translated.
2) Verify the authenticity of the agent you are approaching.
3) Check with the consulate if the company hiring you exists or not.
4) Estimate your expenses in the country you are going to.
5) Do not sign any documents without reading or if there is any ambiguity or doubt.
6) See if the amount you pay to the agent is worth paying for the job you are getting.
7) Remember, to get rid of a bond or contract, you have to pay a huge amount of money.
