Govt to take steps for return of Indians stranded in Angola

The government on Tuesday said it is aware of the plight of the 1,200 Indian workers stranded in Angola and will take all necessary steps for their return.

"The government is taking steps for their return," Minister for Overseas Indian Affairs Vayalar Ravi said in the Rajya Sabha.

He was replying to the concerns of members during Zero Hour, who pointed out that 1,200 Indians working with a cement factory in Angola were stranded in the South African nation after protesting against the management for non-payment of dues.

"Two days ago, I have seen a statement of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi which also says that he has written to the prime minister about 40 Indians. As soon as I saw it, we sent a letter to the ambassador of Angola for a detailed report. We will take all steps that need to be taken," he said.

He said that the government will take action as soon as the report comes from the embassy, adding that the government under such circumstances had earlier also brought Indians back from certain African nations.

Earlier, while raising the issue, Bharatiya Janata Party member Parshottam Khodabhai Rupala said that 1,200 Indians at Angola were being held hostage. The workers of a cement factory near Sumbe city had been on strike for a month, demanding their due wages.

"Their passports have been seized. They are wandering in the forest without any food and battling for their life; their family members are crying. The media has been reporting the matter for 15 days but the government is silent on this sensitive matter," he said, demanding a statement from the minister.