Riyadh- Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud has issued directives to resolve cases of some expats who are abused by companies they work for, thus, maintaining their rights and helping them balance their relation with their employers.

King Salman directed Labor and Social Development Minister Mufrej al-Haqabani to take all necessary measures to solve the problems faced by foreign workers in Saudi Oger.

Al-Haqabani said the ministry has already started taking steps to ensure that the expats’ rights are protected.

“What happened was an individual act carried by one company which made a mistake,” he explained.

“We have agreed with Saudi Arabian Airlines to send back any worker who wants to leave,” he said.

“We will also appoint lawyers at our expense to follow up on the workers’ financial claims in courts against their employer in order to ensure that the unpaid salaries and financial dues are fully settled,” said the minister.

Al-Haqabani stressed that Saudi Arabia does not tolerate any violation to the rights of workers of any nationality.

He issued orders to allow workers to immediately transfer their sponsorship and renew their residence permits.

He also ordered that restrictions on workers leaving the Kingdom be eased.

Moreover, the Saudi government has taken urgent steps to ensure that all the camps where workers are staying are provided with medical care, food and sanitation.

Saudi Arabia says it investigates any complaints of companies not paying wages and if necessary obliges these firms to do so or risk fines and other penalties.

For his part, Official Spokesman for Saudi Ministry of Labor and Social Development Khalid Aba al-Khail told Asharq Al-Awsat that providing aid and fundamental services for affected workers will continue until they receive their rights.