Kafeel Dispute: Pregnant Expat nurse stuck in Abha

Tintu Stephen, a 28-year-old nurse from India, was told that she will be provided with all benefits under Saudi labor law, including yearly leave.

Kafeel refused her maternity leave

When she became pregnant, her employer, a polyclinic in Abha, refused to give her maternity leave in accordance with Saudi labor law. Not only that, but the employer as well.

• SR 10,000 was deducted from her income.
• To get an exit reentry, the nurse needed SR 30,000.

Finally, he registered Huroob against her Iqama to prevent her from leaving the country.

Indian Community stepped up

Stephen approached Ashraf Kuttichal, an Indian community worker, about this. He attempted to negotiate with Stephen’s employer on behalf of the Indian Consulate General in Jeddah. However, things did not go as planned.

Kuttichal stepped in to save the day, and she was going to accompany Stephen on his final exit visa through the Abha Airport’s deportation center.

However, the employer arrived and filed a complaint against the two. The two were arrested, but social workers eventually freed them on bail.

She gave birth in KSA

She was able to give birth to a baby girl at the Abha Maternity Hospital after she was released from prison.

Stephen then filed an online complaint against her employer with the Saudi Labor Court.

Final Verdict

Finally, with the assistance of the Saudi government, the nurse was able to return to her homeland. The stranded nurse received justice in the end.

Source: Saudi Gazette