164 Pakistanis stranded in Algeria repatriated

ISLAMABAD: 164 Pakistani workers who were stranded in Algeria have been successfully repatriated to Pakistan.

Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Foreign Secretary Sohail Mahmood played a vital role in the repatriation of workers employed by M.S. Kayi Company who had not been paid for over a year and were awaiting their salaries for five months.

During these five months, the Pakistan Mission in Algiers supported the workers by providing them food and cash assistance. The embassy with support from the Foreign Ministry has successfully negotiated with the Algerian authorities to release their salaries.

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The Algerian government has graciously released $1.09 million for disbursement of salaries to these workers. The Algerian government also arranged a special chartered flight for their repatriation which has left Algiers for Lahore.

Pakistani Ambassador Ata Munim Shahid conveyed his deep gratitude to the Algerian Government and particularly to Foreign Minister Mr Sabri Boukadoum and Ambassador Mohamed Haneche, Director General (Europe) for their constant support and facilitation in release of the workers’ salaries as well as for arranging a special flight for their safe repatriation.