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Riyadh: Rs 42m has been transferred from Saudi Arabia to the rightful heirs of deceased Nepali workers under the General Organization of Social Insurance (GOSI). This transfer, completed in the last eight months, benefits the families of 166 deceased individuals.

GOSI provides financial support to the families of workers who die or suffer severe injuries while on duty. In case of work-related fatalities, the organization offers compensation equivalent to 84 months’ salary, amounting to approximately Rs 11.5m. The funds are directly wired to beneficiaries’ bank accounts, ensuring timely assistance.

Since 2002, nearly 700 cases involving Nepali workers’ deaths or severe injuries have been registered with GOSI. Among them, insurance claims for 450 deceased workers have been approved, while 205 additional cases are currently under review. However, concerns remain over pending approvals for 261 cases—115 under Riyadh and 146 under Jeddah.

Tikaram Upadhyay, First Secretary of the Nepali Embassy in Riyadh, emphasized that embassy officials are working tirelessly, even beyond office hours, to facilitate claim processing. Efforts include collaboration with GOSI, employers, the Department of Consular Services, and the Safer Migration Program (SAMI) to ensure smooth documentation and disbursement.

The embassy has also sought assistance from the Non-Resident Nepali Association (NRNA), political and social organizations, civil society, and media workers to reach the families of the deceased. A dedicated WhatsApp group has been created to enhance communication with beneficiaries.

Despite the progress, challenges persist. Most Nepali workers in Saudi Arabia are unskilled laborers earning low wages, and discrepancies in salary documentation in the GOSI system often result in reduced compensation for their families. To address this, the embassy has urged Nepali workers to verify whether their employer has accurately recorded their wages with GOSI.

Damaruvallabh Poudel, Deputy Head of Mission at the Nepali Embassy in Riyadh, highlighted the crucial role played by GOSI officials, particularly their willingness to prioritize pending Nepali claims. He noted that GOSI temporarily halted processing claims from other countries like India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh to expedite Nepal’s backlog.

Efforts are ongoing to ensure all rightful heirs receive their due compensation promptly. Officials remain optimistic that, with continued cooperation between GOSI and the Nepali Embassy, more funds will be disbursed soon.

Although the Riyadh season has started in Saudi Arabia since 2019, Nepal is going to participate in the Riyadh season this year. This season is started by showing their religion, culture, art, sports, etc. by adapting the weather. The season started from 28 October 2023 in Riyadh city. It is organized by GEA (Cross Culture) run by the Saudi government.

On opening day, the season made a surprise return with the Tyson Fury vs Francis Ngannou fight, while the brand-new Kingdom Arena lit up red, green and purple with a grand opening, as well as Becky G and Kanye West performing. Bookings have been opened which include Boulevard City, Boulevard World, Via Riyadh, Ramla Terraza and Suwaidi Parks.On this occasion, Nepal will also participate in this season from December 10th to 12th, showing its Nepali originality by singing and dancing.

Singer Tirsna Gurung and The Collap Band will also participate, while local Nepali artists working in Saudi will also perform their ethnic and religious culture.

The exhibition will be held at Alsuwadi Park in Riyadh from 6:00 pm to 11:30 pm and entry is free. This is the first time Nepal has received this opportunity for which the Nepali Embassy will support. Annapurna Post will participate for the first time as a media person. has earned its reputation as an entertainment extravaganzaIn this season, including Nepal, countries like India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Philippines, Indonesia, Sudan are going to perform their performances.

In Saudi Arabia, this season is seen as a celebration of culture and heritage, capturing the essence of Saudi Arabia from its Najdi tradition to its current dynamism.

Al-Suwaidi Park will host seven different cultures in seven weeks during the Riyadh season, offering visitors a unique entertainment experience as well as food, music, entertainment programs, and folk dances representing different countries.

Riyadh Season 2023 includes three new and completely free zones, including the highest weekly auction and maximum zone for heritage market prices 'Souk Al-Awalen' and 'Riyadh Zoo', whose capacity has been increased by 25 percent, and 'Al-Suwaidi' Park' and new areas and diverse cultures and mobile music bandIn addition to being the host of the events, it is seen that the 'Treasure' competition will be organized in a new way, which will have a prize of 6 million Saudi Riyals, while the business performance at the festival will be worth 1 million.