India and Saudi Arabia form joint working group to address “nitaqat” issue
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    • India and Saudi Arabia have formed a joint working group to work towards minimising the fallout of the Saudi Nitaqat policy. Indian workers have been hit by the policy, which reserves a certain percentage of the workforce in commercial establishments for Saudi nationals. The joint working group will be headed by Ahamed Al Humaidan, the Saudi Deputy Minister for Labour Affairs and Sibi George, Deputy Chief of Mission at the Indian Embassy, Riyadh. The working group would look for solutions such as providing alternative jobs within Saudi Arabia and making the exit smooth for those who may have to leave the kingdom. The decision to form a joint working group was taken by both the countries after a high level Indian delegation comprising of Vayalar Ravi, Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs, E. Ahamed, Minister of State for External Affairs and T.K.A. Nair, Prime Minister’s adviser met Saudi authorities to discuss the issue. The delegation met with Saudi Labour Minister Adel bin Mohammad Fakeih and then with Foreign Minister Saud al-Faisal which resulted in the formation of the joint working group. The group will hold its first meeting in Riyadh on May 1, 2013.1

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