Raj workers in Kuwait forcedout of lodgings after bldg fire

Udaipur: Following the devastating fire in Mangaf in Kuwait on June 12, which claimed the lives of 49 workers, Kuwaiti authorities had ordered the evacuation of people from dilapidated buildings. This has forced numerous workers out of their meagre accommodations, including a large number from Rajasthan, onto the streets.About 5,000 workers from Vagad region in Banswara-Dungarpur are employed in Kuwait, and many are without a roof after the evictions. While the exact number of those evacuated is not official, these are workers who had chosen to live in dilapidated buildings due to low rents.An expat worker from Banswara, on condition of anonymity, said that the Kuwaiti govt had increased safety measures following the fire. Residents in old and unsafe buildings have been evicted and their electricity supply cut without notice. Many workers, crammed into small rooms to save on rent, have been left without shelter and are struggling to find new accommodation.With no affordable rental options available, their belongings are scattered on the streets and they are not even able to go to work, the worker from Banswara said. If anyone tries to make a video of the ordeal and post it on social media, there is a risk of being arrested, he said.Another worker from Rajasthan living in Kuwait said that while people residing in apartments are safe, those living in crowded, unsafe buildings are being forcibly removed. The workers often share cramped lodgings with 7-8 others to save money. Local authorities have also failed to make any temporary arrangements for these evicted workers, leaving them to sleep on sidewalks and exposing them to harsh weather. The Indian embassy, too, has not made any arrangements for the workers.

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