Pathetic life for an Indian in Saudi Arabia ends

JEDDAH: A 45-year-old Indian stranded in Saudi Arabia for about 18 years would be soon going home after authorities granted him an exit visa on humanitarian grounds.
The victim, P Periyaswamy of Karkudi village at Perambalur district in Tamil Nadu was stranded in Saudi Arabia becasue his private sponsor neither allowd him to leave nor paid his salaries.
He came to work as a shepherd in the Hail region in 1994.Periyaswamy never confronted his Saudi sponsor in the hope that he would be allowed to go home one day, Indian consulate in Jeddah said.
Out of depression, Periyaswamy had even attempted to commit suicide.
On seeing his pitiable condition, some kind-hearted Saudi citizens complained to the police.
Subsequently, the private sponsor was arrested and ordered to pay the dues and air ticket to Periyasamy. He had no travel documents with him.
On Wednesday, he filed a complaint with the consulate and pleaded to take up his case with the Saudi authorities.
After learning about Periyaswamy's situation, the governorate instructed the concerned authorities to repatriate him immediately after paying his salary dues.
On its part, the Indian Consulate issued him an emergency travel pass for a single journey to India.
The Indian consulate is making efforts to locate the family of Periyaswamy with whom he lost touch for the last 18 years.
Periyaswamy talks to his family after 18 years (Updated: 08/04/2012, 9:15pm)
After much effort, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah met with success as it could locate the family of Periyaswamy. It was a tearful scene as Periyaswamy spoke to his brother. Periyaswamy was highly delighted and inquired about his mother and brothers. He would be buying some gifts for his family members.
In the meantime, the salary dues of Periyaswamy (more than Rs 11 lakhs) have been deposited into Consulate's account. As Periyaswamy has no bank account, he had requested the Saudi Police to deposit his salary dues with the Indian Consulate. The money would be transferred to Periyaswamy's bank account once he reaches India and opens an account at his native place.
The news of Periyaswamy being alive has filled his relatives with joy.
Periyaswamy would be deported to India within a week.