When he boarded a flight bound to Saudi Arabia 10 months ago with 38 others, K Venkatesan, a driver from Villupuram was elated. He used to earn around Rs 10,000 a month, but was now confident of sending home Rs. 20,000 every month after meeting all the expenses in the Gulf nation.

On Wednesday he and 11 other drivers arrived in Chennai. They have brought with them no money, but stories of ill-treatment at the hands of the employer in the far away country.

“We were cheated by the travel agency, Vijaya International, and their agents in various districts. None of the promises – trip allowance, overtime, boarding and food – made by the travel agency was fulfilled by Abdulla Nasir Al Dagheem, the Saudi-based company,” 32-year old Venkatesan told The Hindu .

Mr Venkatesan alleged that the Saudi company paid only 1,000 riyal, roughly around Rs 11,000.

“I can very well earn the amount in Tamil Nadu. I paid around Rs. 80,000 to a travel agent for the job with the hope I can create a better future for my family. On the contrary, I languished in a foreign nation and have nothing to offer to the family that is waiting for my arrival,” he said. S.H. Syed Ansar Basha, another driver, said even the salary was paid only after three months into the job.

“All twelve persons stayed in a room that could accommodate only six. There was no water. When we took up the issue with the employer he responded saying he could not be made responsible for the promise made by the travel agency in India. When we persisted he responded in a brutal manner,” he said.

Mr. Basha said he was hit by the employer on the ear and he bled profusely. He was lodged in a jail along with another driver Ganesan since both of them were vociferous in making demands.

They worked as drivers, picking up mentally and physically challenged children from their house and dropping them in school.

“We had to handle the children carefully even if they hit us. We preferred the job because we thought we would get an international driving licence. But we were shocked to know that even the vehicles were not insured,” said Ganesan.

As their employment became increasingly intolerable, the drivers approached Manithaneya Makkal Katchi (MMK), the political wing of Tamil Nadu Muslim Munnetra Kazhagam (TMMK) and Amma Peravai, an organisation affiliated to the AIADMK.

The two organisations mobilised funds and arranged tickets for their return. They reached Mumbai and came to Chennai.

Accusing the Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia of “turning a blind eye” to the plight of the workers from Tamil Nadu, MMK leader M.H. Jawahirullah said the Tamil Nadu government should take action against the travel agency and their agents besides offering compensation to the drivers.

He wanted the State government to constitute a separate ministry for the welfare of Tamils working in foreign nations.