40 Indians imprisoned in Saudi Arabia return

Forty Indian workers languishing in jail in Saudi Arabia for more than a year, arrived in India Friday after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj ensured their speedy release.

Sushma Swaraj, who was intimated July 2 about the plight of these workers, mostly from Bihar and Rajasthan, took up the matter with the Indian ambassador and desired quick action, informed government sources told the media.

"What followed were a series of quick responses from the Saudi authorities to the minister's request," the sources said.

The workers were working in Nesma and Partners Company at a project in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, and in detention since June 12, 2013 after a verdict of the higher court sentenced them to two months' imprisonment.

"They were unable to return as the company owner had invoked his private right of compensation for the loss of property caused by the workers," the sources added.

However, following Sushma Swaraj's intervention, the company which had been reluctant to revoke its right for compensation not only agreed to waive it but also paid for the return passage of all the 40 workers.

"As a follow-up measure, Sushma Swaraj asked all Indian missions where significant number of Indian nationals are in jail to provide updated information which will be monitored and acted upon, wherever required," the sources added.