Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (SB)

Mangaluru, Jul 15: Abhishek, who was among the 35 youths from Mangaluru, who were trapped in Kuwait after they were allegedly falsely, promised lucrative jobs by an agency, reached Mangaluru on Monday, July 15.

Abhishek got the ticket from Kuwait to Mumbai and arrived at Mumbai International Airport on Sunday. He then travelled to Mangaluru by bus. On the early morning of Monday, July 15, he reached his uncle's house at Yeyyadi in the city and later moved to Badaje, Manjeshwara, his native place.

When Daijiworld team met him at Yeyyadi, he narrated the heart-rending story and gave information about the days he spent in Kuwait.

Abhishek said, “The agent offered me a job at Kuwait and for that he demanded Rs 65,000. Later I learnt that many people have paid the same amount and all are going to join for a single company. Then the agent instructed us to get the medical test done twice. After the medical test, we paid for the ticket fare separately. Once we reached Kuwait airport, we came to know that we have to stay for two months in the accommodation in order to get the license to ride the bike. But after getting the license only few people got the job and others were compelled to stay back in their rooms. Within a week, the company filed cases of accidents and damages to the bike against some, who got the two-wheeler license. This time, we realized that something is fishy and that the company is not interested to provide jobs to us. When we contacted the recruitment agency it did not respond appropriately and escaped from the responsibility.

“After queries we came to know that the company and the agent, who has sent us to Kuwait do not have any connection. The agent who took us to Kuwait only has an agreement with a local Kuwaiti agent for supply of labourers. He is not aware of the technical procedures and the current status of the company. We spent three months in room without job and money. When the company stopped providing food and water, we were compelled to shoot the video and post it on social media through mobile phone. Once the video got circulated, Vedavyas Kamath, MLA responded quickly. But Mohandas Kamath, Mangaluru-based resident at Kuwait, The Indian Engineers’ Association of Kuwait, and Sibi U S, second secretary (Labour), Indian Embassy, Kuwait, took the issue on high priority and helped us to come out of the trap. They provided us food, arranged return tickets and other technical support. Personally I thank these people and also express my gratitude to Daijiworld Media, which stood by us in our difficult time, the press fraternity of Mangaluru and social media friends for their media assistance,” added Abhishek.

When asked about his future plans Nishan said, “I am lucky that I got ticket and passport in the first lot. Before July 17, the other 27 people will get their passports and will fly home. Seven are still struggling there and they cannot fly because the company has filed cases against them for accident and minor damages in bikes, which has happened at the time of duty. Once all reach India, we will discuss about legal action against the agency and recover the money which we have paid them. Now my first priority is to meet my parents, relatives and friends.”

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