Allegations of Passport Seizure and Wage Exploitation
As per the media report that prompted the NHRC’s intervention, the company employing the workers allegedly seized their passports to prevent them from leaving Dubai. The workers have claimed that their salaries have either been withheld or heavily deducted under various pretexts.
One of the stranded labourers reportedly informed through a telephone call that a substantial portion of their wages was deducted to recover the expenses incurred by the company for their air travel from India to Dubai. This deduction has reportedly left the workers without sufficient funds to meet even basic daily needs.
Workers Face Food and Accommodation Hardships
The report further indicates that the employer is allegedly charging the workers for accommodation, further worsening their financial condition. With little or no salary in hand, some workers are reportedly struggling to arrange food for themselves.
The labourers have appealed to the Government of Jharkhand for urgent intervention and assistance to ensure their safe return to India. Their families back home are also said to be under immense distress due to the prolonged uncertainty.
NHRC Seeks Report from Jharkhand Authorities
Observing that the allegations, if true, amount to serious violations of human rights, the NHRC has issued notices to the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand and the Head of the State Migrant Workers Control Room (MWCR). The Commission has sought a detailed report on the matter within two weeks.
The NHRC has emphasized the responsibility of the state machinery to ensure the safety, dignity, and rights of migrant workers, especially those employed overseas. The Commission’s intervention underscores the need for prompt administrative action and coordination with central agencies, if required.
Growing Concerns Over Overseas Migrant Worker Safety
The case once again brings into focus the vulnerabilities faced by Indian migrant workers abroad, particularly those from economically weaker regions. Experts have repeatedly stressed the importance of stricter monitoring of recruitment agencies and overseas employers.
The Ministry of External Affairs and state governments have previously urged workers to register with official migrant worker databases and helplines.
Awaiting Government Response
With the NHRC seeking a time-bound report, attention is now on the Jharkhand government and the State Migrant Workers Control Room to ascertain the facts and initiate corrective measures. Any further action by the Commission is expected to depend on the findings submitted by the state authorities.
The development is being closely watched, as it may set a precedent for handling similar complaints involving Indian workers stranded overseas under exploitative conditions.
