Ranchi, Aug 25
Seventeen migrant workers from Jharkhand, who had been stranded in Africa's Cameroon for the past several months, returned home safely on Monday following the intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
The workers, belonging to Bokaro and Hazaribagh districts, were among 19 people who had travelled to the West African nation through a private agency to work with Transrail Lighting Limited, a company engaged in electricity transmission projects.
However, after reaching Cameroon, they alleged that the company withheld their wages for four months, pushing them into severe financial distress. With no money to buy food or other essentials, their condition deteriorated.
In a desperate plea, the workers had recorded a video message and circulated it on social media, appealing to both the Central and the Jharkhand governments for help.
The Jharkhand Labour Department took cognisance of the matter and formally alerted the MEA, requesting urgent intervention.
Acting swiftly, the MEA, in coordination with the Indian Embassy in Cameroon, not only facilitated their safe return but also ensured that the company released their pending wages.
Officials confirmed that while 17 workers landed in India on Monday and reached their respective homes, the remaining two -- Phoolchand Murmu from Hazaribagh and Bablu Soren from Bokaro -- are scheduled to return on Tuesday.
This is not an isolated case. Experts point out that several workers from Jharkhand and other states are often lured abroad with the promise of higher wages and better opportunities, only to end up in exploitative situations.
Their rescue and repatriation typically require lengthy negotiations through diplomatic channels.
The safe return of these workers has brought relief to their families and highlights the need for stricter monitoring of recruitment agencies as well as better awareness campaigns to prevent such exploitation in the future.
— IANS
Reader Comments
These poor workers went through so much trauma. Four months without wages in a foreign country is terrifying. We need stricter regulations for these private recruitment agencies that exploit desperate people.
Social media played a crucial role here! Their video appeal went viral and forced authorities to act quickly. Technology can be a powerful tool for justice when used right.
While I appreciate the rescue effort, we need to address the root cause. Why do our people have to risk everything for jobs abroad? We need better employment opportunities right here in India.
Thank God they're safe! Can't imagine what their families went through. We should have a proper system to verify foreign employers before allowing our citizens to work for them.
Good that they got their pending wages too! Many times workers return empty-handed. At least some justice was served in this case. Hope the remaining two workers reach safely tomorrow.
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