Mohammad Shafatullah, a 59-year-old native of Gonda, Uttar Pradesh, died in Saudi Arabia after falling at a construction site. Shafatullah had been working in the kingdom for 35 years but remained unable to return to India for the last 16 years due to the lack of a valid iqama and residence documents, following a sponsorship dispute. According to reports from Malayala Manorama and Mathrubhumi, Shafatullah had recently initiated contact with the Indian Embassy to facilitate his return but opted to continue working briefly to support his family.
- Shafatullah fell at a construction site and died in Saudi Arabia.
- He was stranded for 16 years without a valid iqama due to a sponsorship dispute.
- His remains were kept as unidentified for 15 days before the Indian Embassy arranged repatriation.
Following his fatal fall,
his remains were held as unidentified in a hospital for 15 days due to his lack of valid identification. Nasar Ponani, vice president of the charitable wing of the Keli Cultural Forum, eventually facilitated contact with the Indian Embassy, which confirmed his identity and arranged for the repatriation of his remains to India.
The Indian Embassy covered the entire cost of the repatriation. In Saudi Arabia, procedural requirements for handling unnatural deaths, such as industrial accidents, include police reports, medical examinations, and potential investigations. The process requires a death certificate from the Civil Affairs Department, a No Objection Certificate from the Embassy, and legal clearances. The absence of a valid iqama complicates these procedures, as sponsors are typically required to facilitate formal documentation, such as iqama cancellation and final exit formalities.
Regarding financial dues, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh confirms that
employers are expected to settle unpaid salaries and end-of-service benefits, though compensation for work-related accidents depends on insurance coverage and investigation findings. The Embassy advises families to maintain records of the worker's passport number, iqama number, and employment contract. For assistance, families may utilize the 24x7 toll-free helpline at 800 247 1234, call +966-11-4884697 from India, or message +966-542126748 via WhatsApp. Labor-related queries can be directed to +966-11-4804554, and death-related NOC matters to +966-11-4884144, extension 119. Grievances may also be registered via the MADAD portal.
