Video: Indian in Saudi desert asks PM Modi for help
What's the story
An Indian worker, reportedly from Handia in Prayagraj district of Uttar Pradesh, has made a desperate video plea for help from Saudi Arabia. In the video, he claims his employer, identified only as "Kapil," has taken his passport and is threatening to kill him. The man appeals to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for assistance in returning home. "Please help me, I will die," he pleads in the video.
Embassy intervention
Indian Embassy responds to viral video plea
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has responded to the viral video plea. They said they are trying to locate the person but require more information. Their response on the social media platform X read, "The Embassy has been trying to locate the person. No further action can be taken as the video does not contain any details about the location/province in Saudi Arabia, or contact number, or employer details."
Twitter Post
Twitter Post
Embassy has been trying to locate the person. No further action can be taken as the video does not contain any details about the location/province in Saudi Arabia, or contact number or employer details.@Lawyer_Kalpana please seek details from the source of the video you have…
— India in Saudi Arabia (@IndianEmbRiyadh) October 24, 2025
Kafala system
Incident comes weeks after Saudi Arabia abolished kafala system
The incident comes weeks after Saudi Arabia abolished its controversial kafala (sponsorship) system. The kafala system, in place since the 1950s, required foreign workers to be tied to a local sponsor who controlled their employment and movement, and even their ability to leave the country. Employers could confiscate passports and deny exit visas under this system, which human rights groups likened to modern-day slavery.
Labor reforms
A look at the reforms under Vision 2030
The abolition of the kafala system is part of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's Vision 2030 reforms. The reform aims to improve labor rights for nearly 13 million migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, including around 2.5 million Indians. The Indian worker's plea for help highlights ongoing concerns about the treatment of migrant workers in Saudi Arabia, even after recent reforms.