Tragic Loss: Stranded Indian Worker Dies in Saudi Arabia After 16 Years
Mohammad Shafatullah, a 59-year-old native of Gonda district, Uttar Pradesh, passed away in Saudi Arabia after living there for approximately 35 years.
- Shafatullah was unable to return to India for 16 years due to sponsor disputes and residency document issues.
- He suffered a fatal fall from a height while working to support his family.
- The Indian Embassy covered the entire cost of repatriating his remains to India.
Background and Fatal Accident
Shafatullah arrived in Saudi Arabia at the age of 24 to work in the construction sector. He had been unable to return to India for the last 16 years due to ongoing disputes with his sponsor and complications regarding his iqama and residency documents. According to a report by Malayala Manorama on September 12, 2026, Shafatullah had recently begun the process to return to India and had contacted the Indian Embassy. However, he decided to continue working for a few more months to support his family financially before completing the return process. During this time, he suffered a fatal fall from a height while on the job.
Identification and Repatriation
Following his death, his body remained unidentified for 15 days at the Al Kharj General Hospital due to his lack of valid residency documents and insurance records. Social worker Nassar Ponnani was later alerted by police regarding the unidentified body, leading to a coordinated effort between the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and community representatives to confirm his identity. At the request of his family, the Indian Embassy covered the entire cost of repatriating his remains to India.
Embassy Advice and Emergency Contacts
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh advises that workers facing issues such as expired iqamas, sponsor disputes, unpaid salaries, or travel bans should contact the Community Welfare Wing rather than delaying legal resolutions. Assistance is available through the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra, which operates 365 days a year. Emergency contact numbers in Riyadh include 00-966-11-4884697, a WhatsApp line at 00-966-542126748, and a toll-free number within Saudi Arabia at 800 247 1234. Grievances can also be registered via the MADAD portal or by contacting the embassy at 00-966-11-4804554. Under official guidance, when an Indian worker dies under a Saudi employer's sponsorship, the employer is responsible for settling pending legal dues, including unpaid salaries and end-of-service benefits. These can be processed through the Saudi Labour Office or the Indian Mission. The embassy further recommends that workers and their families maintain digital copies of passports, iqama details, visa pages, and employer contact information to facilitate emergency consular processing.