Government to take steps for return of stranded Indians in Angola

NEW DELHI: The government today said it is serious to the plight of 1,100 Indian workers stranded in Angola and will provide tickets and other facilities to those who wanted to return to India.

"Our government is in touch with Indian Embassy there. We are monitoring the situation...Those who want to come back, we are ready to provide them tickets. We will do our best to get the arrears for them also," Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said in the Rajya Sabha.

He was responding to concerns of members from BJP during Zero Hour that some Indians working with a cement factory in Angola were stranded in the South African nation after protesting against management for non-payment of dues.

"An unfortunate incident occurred on May 9 when 59 Indians were arrested there. Thirty-seven were found innocent while 22 were found guilty...," the Minister said referring to the strike by the Indian workers for payment of their overdues.

He said the government will take all necessary steps to provide relief to Indians there while the concerned company has agreed to waive the fine imposed by the company.

Earlier, raising the issue BJP members including Parshottam Khodabhai Rupala (BJP) said government was yet to apprise them of the steps taken to rescue Indians at Angola in South Africa who were held hostage as these workers in a cement factory near Sumbe city were on strike for over a month demanding their dues.