900 workers approach Indian embassy over 'no pay' claims

Muscat: The Indian embassy in Oman has confirmed it is in talks with "responsible authorities" after workers at an engineering firm complained that they have not been paid for three months.
Some 900 workers at an engineering company in Oman claim they have not been paid since April and have appealed to the Indian embassy and Manpower Ministry for help.
The workers said they have been living without pay, proper food or sanitation and some workers are worried about infections in the work camp due to poor sanitation.
"It's a breeding ground for infestation. We have not been paid for three months. We are eating only plain white rice," said a worker.
A spokesman from the Indian Embassy said they are aware of the case and that the responsible authorities are working on it. The spokesman said: "The consulate officer is in touch with the workers and we are trying to do whatever is possible."
Employees are concerned they will soon be kicked out of their accommodation as rentals have not been paid.
"My deepest acknowledgment to the Indian embassy and the Ministry of Manpower, as well as other institutions, for looking into this and for their timely intervention. I hope the dispute shall be resolved at the earliest," an employee said.
When asked how long will it take for the case to be resolved, an official from the embassy stated, " I cannot say, but we are doing our best to resolve this as soon as possible because taking care of Indians is the embassy's utmost priority."
The company in question has failed to attend a meeting called by the Ministry of Manpower to discuss the workers' claims.