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108 stranded Nepalis to be back home
KATHMANDU, JUN 08 -
The government is gearing up to rescue 108 Nepalis stranded in Libya in pitiable conditions without money and employment.
The Nepalis had been there seeking blue-collar jobs at a local construction company named CKG. However, they were taken to another construction company called, Gurka, which closed down soon.
“They have been forced to live without jobs and money since they landed there around 10 months ago. They are like bonded labourers in a very miserable condition now,” a foreign ministry official told the Post on Tuesday.
“The First Secretary at the Nepali mission in Cairo, Egypt, Tirtha Aryal, recently visited Libya and took stock of the situation there and advised us to evacuate the Nepalis immediately,” the official added. The Nepalis are, however, being given regular meals and a place to stay.
The government is now jumping into action following a plea from family members of the stranded Nepalis in Nepal on the last week of April. Officials here have now started arranging for air tickets and other support for the Nepalis.
“A person needs US$ 800 for his/her exit visa and an air ticket back home from Libya and arranging the same for 108 persons is a tough job. Therefore, the government has officially taken up the issue with the Libyan government seeking assistance,” the official said.
“Libya has, however, not given any assurance so far. It would be a great relief for us even if Libya waives the exit visa fee,” the official added.
The Department of Foreign Employment and Foreign Employment Promotion Board, in association with other government entities concerned, are collecting money to bring back the Nepalis, who had gone there through the Dhaulagiri Manpower Company. The Nepalis have demanded action against the manpower company.
Posted on: 2010-06-09 07:30
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