Five plumbers from Odisha stranded in Iraq

KENDRAPARA (ODISHA): Five plumbers from Kendrapara district of Odisha are stranded in strife-torn Iraq, according to official reports released by the local administration today.

"We have so far found out five skilled labourers working in Iraq though unofficial reports put the figure at around 60," said District Labour Officer, Bighnajit Mohapatra.

Of the five, two are reported to be in distressed condition in Nafaj province of Iraq, he said adding family members of Madan Mohan Mallick (28) from Pattamundai?s Nandininagar and Santosh Kumar Mallick (45) of Sandhapalli have sought the administration?s intervention for their safe return.

Three plumbers from Maho village under Aul block are reported to be safe in Iraq. "We have met their family members who are in constant touch with Iraq-based workers, Kendrapara Collector, Pramod Kumar Dash said.

The administration has drawn the attention of state labour directorate in this regard. The administration would render all possible help towards those stranded in Iraq, he added.

Over 1000 skilled workers, mostly plumbers have migrated to oil-rich gulf countries including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Lebanon, Baharin and Sharjah. However, migration to countries like Iraq and Iran is not on large scale, the officials said.

Dash said the state government agencies deal with inter-state migrant workers, while the overseas wing of external affairs ministry deal with workers who are based abroad.

"As the migrant workers do not come under Inter-state Migrant Workmen Act, 1979. We have no administrative control over such things. The immigration wing of union external affairs ministry deals with this," he added.