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Hyderabad Man Struggles in Saudi Arabia
Hyderabad Man’s Struggles in Saudi Arabia During COVID-19
Jeddah: The COVID-19 pandemic has altered the lives of millions worldwide, and one such individual facing its harsh consequences is Ahmed Shareef, a native of Hyderabad. Stranded in Saudi Arabia since 2020, Shareef’s life has been a constant struggle, with little hope of returning home. Despite his efforts to find work, Shareef continues to face extreme challenges in Saudi Arabia’s desert plateau, particularly in Tabuk, where he has been living under difficult circumstances.
Loss of Job and Accommodation During COVID-19
Like many expatriates, the Hyderabad man stranded in Saudi Arabia saw his life take a drastic turn during the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the crisis, Shareef worked as a salesman, supplying water bottles to grocery stores on credit. However, as lockdowns swept through Saudi Arabia, numerous businesses shut down or faced severe financial setbacks, leading to defaults on payments to him. This situation left him with an outstanding amount of SR 14,350, which his employer demanded he settle.
When the pandemic hit, Shareef’s job was terminated, along with the positions of several other salesmen, mostly Indians. This loss of employment also resulted in him being evicted from his company-provided accommodation. Left without a stable income or a place to stay, Shareef began taking on odd jobs, such as working as a construction laborer or harvesting vegetables, just to earn enough for a meal. But finding consistent work has been a challenge, with weeks often going by without any opportunities.
Legal Troubles and Travel Ban Complications
As his financial situation worsened, Shareef’s inability to pay his outstanding dues led to further legal complications. He was taken to court, which ruled that he must settle his debts, resulting in a travel ban that prevents him from leaving the country. Additionally, his residency visa, known as Iqama, expired, making him an illegal resident in Saudi Arabia. This status has barred him from accessing essential services, including medical care and formal employment, further complicating the Hyderabad man’s struggle in Saudi Arabia.
In an effort to resolve his situation, Shareef traveled over 1,200 kilometers to the company’s head office in Riyadh. He pleaded with the company to reinstate his position, offering to work and repay the outstanding amount. Despite his efforts, his request was denied, leaving him in a dire situation without a clear path forward.
Support from Fellow Hyderabadis in Saudi Arabia
While his plight has been filled with despair, Shareef has found some support from fellow Indians in Saudi Arabia. Four young men from Hyderabad provided him temporary shelter in Riyadh, where he stayed for a while, cooking meals in exchange for a place to live. However, when their families joined them, Shareef was asked to leave, forcing him to return to Tabuk, where he once again faced uncertainty and hardship.
Touched by his situation, members of the Saudi Arabia Telugu Association (SATA), including its president L. Tirupati, have stepped in to offer help. They have been working to provide him with basic necessities, including food and support. “It’s a matter of humanity, not caste or creed or place,” said Tirupati, highlighting the importance of helping those in need regardless of their background.
A Father’s Longing to Return Home
For Ahmed Shareef, the greatest pain comes from being separated from his family in Hyderabad. It has been nearly seven years since he last visited home, and he dreams of reuniting with his only daughter, who had to discontinue her education due to financial constraints. The prolonged separation has taken a heavy emotional toll on him, adding to the physical and financial struggles that define his daily life.
The Hyderabad man stranded in Saudi Arabia has become a symbol of the challenges faced by many expatriates who find themselves in similar situations due to the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. His story came to light when he was spotted at a fuel station in Tabuk by members of SATA, who have since rallied to provide him with some relief.
Community Efforts to Support Ahmed Shareef
Community members, including Syed Rameez Raza and others, have been working to help Shareef within the confines of local laws. “We feel sorry for Ahmed Shareef, and we are trying to help him within our limits,” said Raza. They hope to raise awareness about his situation and seek potential solutions through legal channels, while continuing to offer him support.
For more information or to extend support to Shareef, community members have provided contact numbers, hoping that someone might offer assistance in resolving his legal issues or helping him return home to Hyderabad.
Tabuk and Its Role in the Saudi Economy
Tabuk, where Shareef currently resides, is known for being the nerve center of Saudi Arabia’s giga-project, NEOM—a flagship development initiative. The region has attracted hundreds of Hyderabadis working on various projects. Despite being in a region associated with development and progress, the reality for many like Shareef is one of daily struggle, fighting to survive in an unfamiliar land.
Conclusion: A Cry for Help Amidst Challenges
Ahmed Shareef’s story is a stark reminder of the challenges faced by expatriates during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Stranded and unable to return home, he continues to struggle against legal, financial, and personal challenges in Saudi Arabia. The Hyderabad man stranded in Saudi Arabia hopes for a resolution that will allow him to return home, reunite with his family, and rebuild his life. Until then, he remains dependent on the kindness of fellow community members and the slim hope of finding a solution to his predicament.
Disclaimer: This article highlights the challenges faced by an individual stranded in Saudi Arabia due to legal and financial issues following the COVID-19 pandemic. It is intended to present the circumstances and efforts of those assisting him without bias or judgment.
