India cautions women workers in Saudi Arabia not to go on strike

The embassy said it is important to note that "we live in a foreign country and are required to obey the rules and regulations of Saudi Arabia", urging all Indian workers in the country to follow them.

"Anyone who is found to be in violation of Saudi laws and indulge in strike-related activities would face penalty, imprisonment and deportation by Saudi authorities. The Embassy has a mechanism in place to take up all issues related to the welfare of Indians in Saudi Arabia with the concerned authorities," said the embassy.

The statement came after a group of Indian women working as cleaners in Saudi Arabia went on strike, accusing their employer of discriminating against Indian workers and not paying them salaries for nine months.

The women, all from Kerala, work for a company contracted to clean a hospital in Riyadh.

"In the case of the female workers, the embassy is in constant touch with the workers, top management of the company and Saudi authorities. The embassy will continue to follow up on the case on a priority basis," the embassy said.

According to estimates, around 2.8 million Indians reside in Gulf Kingdom.