The situation faced by Jaffar Ahmed, a Hyderabad resident working in Saudi Arabia, highlights a common issue among migrant workers in the Gulf.

Jaffar, who was employed as a supervisor at Al Jawharah Cartoons Industries in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, encountered a serious health crisis after being exposed to harmful chemical fumes at his workplace. This exposure triggered a severe asthma attack that required hospitalization.

Due to the critical nature of his condition, Jaffar was unable to continue his work and made attempts to return home to India. However, his efforts were thwarted by his Kafeel (sponsor), who refused to grant him exit despite his health situation. Left without access to basic necessities like food and medication, Jaffar was forced to seek refuge with relatives in Riyadh.

Jaffar relocated to Saudi Arabia in February this year after being offered a supervisor position in Jeddah. After spending nearly Rs 50,000 on his medical check-up and travel expenses, he fell ill due to exposure to toxic fumes at work, which exacerbated his pre-existing sinusitis condition.

Jaffar’s case is part of a broader issue that migrant workers in the Gulf face, often dealing with unsafe working conditions and insufficient support from their sponsors. A study by the National Library of Medicine on chemical poisoning incidents in Saudi Arabia revealed alarming findings, especially among non-Saudi workers who often lack proper legal standing and healthcare access, making them more vulnerable.

In response to the situation, Jaffar’s father, Aijaz Ahmed, sent a letter to the Union Minister of External Affairs, S. Jaishankar, requesting intervention to help bring his son back home. The family is seeking assistance from the government to communicate with Jaffar’s Kafeel, ensure his safe return and proper medical treatment.

The issue gained attention when the Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) leader shared Jaffar’s plight on social media, urging the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah to step in and ensure the safety and timely return of the Hyderabad man.