Expat moves HC for third shot as jab taken not approved by Gulf country

KOCHI: There are many expatriates in India unable to return to their work place due to the crisis of Covid. One among them is Girikumar from Srikandapuram, Kannur. He was working in Saudi Arabia as a welder for the past eight years.

Girikumar had taken two shots of Covaxin. However, as Covaxin is not approved in Saudi Arabia, he has now approached the high court seeking permission to take Covishield vaccine which is internationally approved. This was reported by a national media.

As per his visa, he has to return to Saudi Arabia before August 30. Otherwise, he will lose his job. He told the media that he was ready to vaccinate again as he does not want to lose his job in Saudi’s Dammam.

‘I have two girls, the eldest one is for degree and the other in the tenth class. I don’t have other income to meet their educational expenses,’ he said. He approached the court as the Cowin website has no option for a third dose. His plea has been adjourned to August 9.

Girikumar reached his hometown in January. When the centre provided vaccines for those above 45, he registered on Cowin portal using his passport details. He got the first jab of Covaxin on April 17 and the second after a month. It was only after taking the two shots, he came to know that the vaccine is not approved by the Saudi Government.