Minister of External Affairs, Sushma Swaraj, has said that she is personally monitoring the crisis in Jeddah and also that the  issue of food shortage faced by nearly 10,000 Indians rendered jobless in Saudi Arabia very seriously. The issue of food shortage faced by nearly 10,000 Indians rendered jobless in Saudi Arabia very seriously. She also told the house that the government is talking with Saudi authorities to ensure that those who haven't been paid their salaries by their employers for the last several months get the dues they deserve.

"I assure you that no Indian worker rendered unemployed in Saudi Arabia will go without food. I am monitoring the situation on hourly basis. I am satisfied to say this in the Parliament that ration (food packets) has been distributed to all the five camps for the next 10 days," said Sushma Swaraj. Low oil prices have forced the Saudi government to slash spending since last year, putting heavy pressure on the finances of local construction firms which rely on state contracts. As a result, some companies have been struggling to pay foreign workers and have laid off tens of thousands, including Indians, leaving many with no money for food let alone for tickets home.