An Odia worker who had been stranded in Saudi Arabia has safely returned to Odisha, expressing gratitude to Odisha Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain for facilitating his return.

Pralaya Ranjan Mahapatra, a resident of Jagatsinghpur district, met the minister at his residence along with his family on Wednesday to thank him for his timely intervention. He also expressed appreciation to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Government of India, and the Indian Consulate in Jeddah for their prompt assistance in resolving his case.

Pralaya had travelled to Saudi Arabia on May 24, 2024, to work as a wheel loader driver with Majad Al-Harbi Company. Although his employment contract expired on April 30, 2026, the company allegedly did not allow him to return to India even after the contract period had ended.

Concerned about her son’s situation, Pralaya’s mother, Pratima Sethi, approached Minister Sampad Chandra Swain and appealed for help in bringing him back home.

Following the request, the minister wrote to the Ministry of External Affairs, seeking urgent intervention. Acting on the matter, the Indian Consulate in Jeddah held discussions with the employer to secure Pralaya’s final exit permit and arrange his return ticket.

After the diplomatic intervention, the company issued the required Final Exit clearance and provided him with an air ticket, enabling him to return safely to Odisha.

Pralaya’s prolonged stay in Saudi Arabia had caused considerable anxiety for his family. His father, Sadhu Charan Sethi, who has been unwell, was reportedly under severe mental stress during the ordeal.

With Pralaya’s safe return, the family expressed immense relief and happiness. They credited the minister’s prompt action, along with the support of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Indian Consulate in Jeddah, for making his return possible.

The case highlights the role of coordinated efforts between the Odisha Government and Indian diplomatic authorities in assisting overseas workers facing difficulties abroad.