Odisha Addl. Labour Commissioner requests MEA intervention to rescue 6 emigrants stranded in Thailand
Bhubaneswar, February 19
Odisha Additional Labour Commissioner Madan Mohan Paik on Thursday wrote a letter to the Ministry of External Affairs over the issue of six state emigrants being ill-treated by an employer in Thailand, requesting intervention for safe rescue and return to their native places.
"I am directed to inform that, 5 emigrant workers from Kendrapara District and one from Bhadrak District of Odisha had gone to Thailand 6 months ago through two Labour Agents, namely Ompraksh and Jayprakash, owners of Veneer industry, of Gorakhpur, Uttarpradesh to work at Sanvi Veneer and Plywood Industry, Wat Nong Phai Kaeo, Thailand on Indian tourist Passport," the letter read.
"It is alleged that the emigrant workers have not been paid, even after working for 6 months there although it was assured to pay an amount of INR 25,000 per month. They are being tortured by the employer, who deprives them of food and basic amenities," it further read describing the ordeal faced by the emigrants.
It stated that the emigrants are currently stranded at Wat Nong Phai Kaeo without food or resources and are pleading to return to India.
Relaying the concerned families' request for swift action on the matter, it stated, "The family members have requested, to take early steps for their safe rescue and repatriation to their native places."
"Since this matter relates to emigration issues, it is requested to kindly intervene in the matter and facilitate safe repatriation of above 6 workers to their native place, alongwith their legal dues," the letter read.
Earlier, Biju Janata Dal (BJD) president Naveen Patnaik also expressed concern about the workers and urged the MEA and the Chief Minister's Office of Odisha to intervene for their rescue at the earliest.
Taking it to his 'X' account, he said, "Deeply concerned to know that six people from #Odisha are being ill-treated by their employer in Thailand and are in deep distress. Urge Indian Government, Ministry of External Affairs (@MEAIndia) and @CMO_Odisha to intervene into the matter with urgency and coordinate with the officials of Thailand for their early rescue."
— ANI
Reader Comments
Why are people still going on tourist visas for work? The awareness campaigns about legal emigration clearly aren't reaching the villages. MEA should rescue them, but we also need stricter action against these fraudulent agents who prey on the poor.
Good to see the Labour Commissioner and Naveen Patnaik sir taking swift notice. Hope MEA acts fast. These workers have suffered enough without pay and food. The government must also ensure they get their 6 months' salary from that employer.
While the rescue is urgent, I respectfully think more focus is needed on prevention. The system failed these men at multiple points - from getting a tourist passport for work to unchecked agents. We need a stronger safety net for migrant workers.
Jai Hind! Our embassies are there for a reason. I'm confident our officials in Thailand will get them out. This also shows the importance of voting for leaders like Naveen Patnaik who actually care about the people. #BringThemHome
Their families in Kendrapara and Bhadrak must be going through hell. 25,000 per month is a big amount for them, that's why they took the risk. Government should provide compensation and skill training so they don't have to rely on such shady agents again.
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