Thiruvananthapuram: Many nurses in Oman are also reportedly facing repatriation threats even as the number of Malayalis among the thousands stranded in Saudi Arabia is said to be only around 300.

The NORKA department is getting in touch with the Indian embassy officials in the wake of reports that nurses in various hospitals in Oman faced repatriation threat as part of localisation.

“We are looking into the issue and awaiting further details,” said NORKA secretary Usha Titus. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said on Tuesday that though it was initially feared that about 700 Malayalis were among those stranded in five labour camps in Saudi Arabia, now it was learnt that the number was around 300.

Meanwhile, NORKA sources said that though an official figure on the Malayalis was yet to be received, unofficially it was said to be even below 200 only. Ms Usha Titus said that as of now the condition of those in the camps was safe and further steps on bringing them home would be decided after minister of state for external Affairs V.K. Singh reaches there.

The embassy officials were also learnt to have started collecting the details of those who wish to return. Arrangements for filing complaints with Saudi labour authorities were also being provided.

Sources in Saudi Arabia told DC that serious hardship was faced mainly by a section of employees who had been opting for cash instead of food as part of their remuneration packages.

“Companies either used to offer free food or give food allowances. Owing to the present financial crisis, many firms stopped paying food allowance. But those who were opting for food instead of allowance were getting the food,” said the source.