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Headlines

The Ecosoc News Monitor

25 February 2008

Doctors, Nurses Go Without Pay for Seven Months

Arab News, Monday 25 Feb 2008

JEDDAH — Three Indian doctors and nine nurses working at Dr. Siddiqa Hospital in Bani Malik have lodged a complaint at the Indian Consulate that the hospital has not paid their salaries for seven months, a consulate official told Arab News.

The official, who requested anonymity, said Consul General Dr. Ausaf Sayeed was following the case with keen interest. “We hope that a settlement could be reached by the end of this week,” he added.

However, the official warned that if the hospital authorities further delayed the payment of the 12 Indian workers the consulate would advise the workers to approach the Labor Court to obtain their rights, including release to work for other institutions.

“We’ll provide them with necessary legal assistance,” he added.

The doctors and nurses, who were working at reputable hospitals in India, came to the Kingdom in November 2006.

The nurses, who are from the south Indian state of Kerala, tendered their resignation two-and-a-half months ago but have not yet received their salary dues and exit visas. The iqamas of some nurses have already expired.

The nurses are under tremendous stress and are facing financial troubles.