Yemen hospital lets 500 Indian staffers go

Jayanth Jacob, Hindustan Times

New Delhi, June 15, 2011

After days of painful negotiations, a hospital in strife torn Yemen has agreed to release 500 Indian staffers, saying they have no objections to their travel or in giving them an experience certificate. “We would like to inform you that we have no objection to their travel… We further ensure that t

hose who worked within the rules and regulations will get their experience certificates”, said a letter from the general manager of Al Thawra hospital in Sana’a, addressed to Indian ambassador to Yemen Ausaf Sayeed.

The letter also mentioned that the hospital has no “intention to continue with their work against their will.”

The workers had complained that the hospital authorities were demanding that they give two month’s salary back — a contractual obligation — for getting their passports back.

Following their complaints, the ministry of external affairs as well as overseas Indian affairs sprung into action.

Meawhile, there are 6000 Indians still in Yemen and the Indian embassy has extended the date till June 18 for citizens who want to leave the county to register with them. Those who have thus registered will be given free air tickets.

Two more officials have joined the Indian embassy in Sana’a to facilitate those who want to leave Yemen.