Bhubaneswar: Odisha Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain has urged the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to intervene and facilitate the safe return of an Odia youth who is reportedly stranded in Saudi Arabia after the expiry of his employment contract.
According to an official release, Swain has written to External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar requesting immediate intervention to ensure the safe repatriation of Pralaya Ranjan Mahapatra, a resident of Jagatsinghpur district.
Mahapatra had travelled to Saudi Arabia on May 24, 2024, to work as a wheel loader driver with the company Mazad Al-Harbi Co. His employment contract reportedly expired on April 30, 2026. However, despite the completion of the contract period, the company has allegedly not allowed him to return to India, the release said.
The issue was brought to the minister’s attention by Mahapatra’s mother, Pratima Sethi, who appealed for the government’s assistance in bringing her son back home safely. The family has expressed concern over his continued stay in Saudi Arabia, particularly as his father, Sadhu Charan Sethi, is reportedly unwell, adding to their anxiety.
In his letter, Swain requested the Ministry of External Affairs to take immediate steps on humanitarian grounds to ensure Mahapatra’s safe and early return to India. He also urged the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia to extend all necessary assistance and expedite the process of his repatriation.
The minister said the prolonged ordeal of the young Odia worker has caused immense distress to his family, and sought prompt action from the Centre to resolve the matter at the earliest.
