Relief and joy swept through a family in Jagatsinghpur district as Pralay Ranjan Mahapatra, an Odia youth stranded in Saudi Arabia, finally returned home after months of uncertainty.
Pralay, who had been working as a wheel loader driver with Majid Al‑Harbi Co., saw his contract expire on April 30, 2026. Despite the expiry, the company allegedly refused to grant him permission to return to India.
His mother, Pratima Sethy, appealed to Odisha’s Industry, Skill Development & Technical Education Minister Samapad Chandra Swain, seeking help. The minister promptly wrote to the Ministry of External Affairs, which in turn engaged with the Indian Embassy in Jeddah.
Following diplomatic intervention, Pralay was granted a final exit permit and provided with an air ticket by his employer. He safely reached Odisha this week.
Expressing gratitude, Pralay and his family met Minister Swain at his residence, thanking him for his swift action. They also acknowledged the role of the MEA and the Indian Embassy in Jeddah in ensuring his safe return.
The family, which had been under severe stress due to Pralay’s prolonged stay abroad, said his return has brought immense relief, especially as his father’s health had deteriorated during the ordeal.
