The first batch of Indian workers from Dammam’s Saad Group has reportedly flown home, following meetings between officials of both governments. India’s minister of state for external affairs V. K. Singh concluded a visit to Riyadh on Friday to help laid-off Indian workers return home. The official met with Saudi Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Development Ahmed Al-Humaidan. Anil Nautiyal, First Secretary for Community Welfare at the Indian Embassy stated that another batch of 120 workers would be flown back to India in the coming days. A total of 1,740 workers have been sent home by the embassy in the past two months. Firms, including Saudi Binladin and Saudi Oger, have laid off thousands of workers after not paying them for months. In August, during a previous visit by Indian officials, it was estimated there were 10,000 stranded Indian workers in the country. Saudi Arabia’s King Salman had instructed the Ministry of Labour to fly workers home at its own cost with the promise of sending them their unpaid dues when they are received. (Gulf Business)