Indian engineer named Saddam Hussain rejected for 40 jobs

More than 10 years after being executed, former Iraqi leader Saddam Hussein continues to have a huge presence in the life of one man. A marine engineer in India sharing the former Iraqi leader's name has been refused job for 40 odd times. The 25-year-old has now gone to court to change his name to Sajid. However, he's still unable to secure a job. Two years after graduating from Tamil Nadu's Noorul Islam University, the man from Jharkand realized the repercussions of his name has failed to find a job. Even though Saddam-now-Sajid did well at college, shipping companies have turned him away because of his name. “ People are scared to hire me,” he said. According to him, employers tend to fear complications from immigration officials across international borders. For the initial six months, Saddam was unable to decipher why he was being rejected. “ I then inquired with the HR departments of the companies and some of them told me my name was the problem,” he recounts. He was told that having a crew member with a name that arouses instant suspicion could be an operational nightmare. The 25-year-old thought he might overcome this issue by getting a new passport, driving license and more but his job applications are still not proceeding as he cannot provide proof of going to school under his new name. Another court hearing is due to take place on May 5 to force authorities to change his name on secondary school certificates as well, after which his graduation papers will need amending. Saddam-now-Sajid is not alone in this unfortunate situation as there are many Saddam Husseins of Iraq who face a similar ordeal.

Saddam now Sajid is fighting a battle for being an innocent victim of someone else's crime. The court must take appropriate action regarding his high school mark sheets as well. Keeping this case as an example, the court must have some provision for the people who may be surrounded with similar issues.