King Salman has directed Saudi authorities to take measures to resolve the issues being faced by 2,500 stranded Indian workers employed by contracting firm Saudi Oger, according to Mufrej Al-Haqabani, Labour and Social Development Minister. An agreement has been made with Saudi Airlines to send back Indian workers to their homes. Also, lawyers will be appointed, at the expense of the government, to follow up on the workers’ financial claims in courts against their employer, in order to make sure that the unpaid salaries and financial dues are fully settled. Procedures for the transfer of sponsorship and the renewal of residence permits of Indian workers will be eased; so will restrictions on workers leaving the Kingdom. c700 out of a total of 2,500 are set to be returned to India in the near term, after their financial dues are settled, according to Al-Haqabni. (MEED)