Runaways major headache for Indian Consulate

The Indian Consulate in Jeddah is struggling to cope with rising numbers of "huroob" or runaway workers, arriving in the city from all over the country, desperately seeking to go home. A total of 9,200 Indians have so far registered with the consulate for assistance.
Speaking with Arab News, Indian Consul General Faiz Ahmed Kidwai said that so far 9,200 Indians have registered with the consulate for assistance.
He disclosed that yesterday alone, the consulate received 1,379 applications. He said the Indian consular team in Najran received 125 applications on Friday, the Indian School in Tabuk received 200 applications, while 60 applications were received in Taif.
Kidwai said that only 37 Indian Umrah pilgrims have approached the consulate to seek repatriation back to India, and only a few women domestic workers also applied to go home.
Kidwai said that exclusive arrangements have been made for all applicants to submit forms at 10 counters with additional staff.
He said separate tents have been erected with basic facilities and special arrangements have been made to fill out forms for illiterate people. An exclusive telephone line with 24-hour service has been established to assist the community.
Kidwai said that the Indian diplomatic missions are fully equipped to implement the outcomes of a meeting between an Indian ministerial delegation and Saudi Labor Minister Adel Fakeih.