‘Given Rs 600 to split between 8 people’: Jharkhand men stranded in UAE with no pay for 3 months’
Eight migrant workers from Jharkhand are stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) without pay for three months. These men, who left India for better job prospects, now face hunger, debt, and isolation. The group was given just ₹600 in total — not per person — to survive.
Dreams of Better Jobs Crushed
The workers come from small villages in Jharkhand. Agents promised them good salaries for construction work in the UAE. They borrowed money to pay for visas and travel. They hoped to send money home and clear their debts. Instead, they found themselves stuck without income.
One worker said, “We came here expecting a good life, but now we are begging for food.”
₹600 for Eight People
Three months passed without payment. Their employer allegedly handed them ₹600 total — barely enough for a day’s meals for one person. The group now relies on leftover food and help from strangers. With no income, they can’t afford basic supplies or even water some days.
They live in overcrowded rooms, with limited electricity and sanitation. The men said they divide meals to ensure everyone gets something to eat.
No Money, No Way Home
The workers can’t buy tickets to return to India. Some say the employer took their passports, a common illegal practice that traps workers abroad. Without documents and funds, they remain stuck in a foreign country.
UAE labor laws require employers to pay wages on time and provide safe accommodation. But poor enforcement means many low-wage workers suffer quietly. Many don’t speak Arabic or English, making it harder to seek help.
Families Suffer in Jharkhand
Back home, their families are in distress. With no money arriving for months, daily life has become difficult. Many families depend entirely on these workers for income.
“My husband left so we could build a better life. Now I struggle to buy food for our children,” said a woman in Jharkhand.
These families also took loans to send their loved ones abroad. Now, they face pressure from lenders with no way to repay.
Indian Officials Respond
After the story surfaced in the media, activists contacted the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi. Officials confirmed that they are looking into the case. Efforts are underway to help the men and arrange their return.
An embassy official said, “We are in touch with the workers. We’re trying to resolve their problems and ensure their safe return.”
However, such cases often involve legal delays. If employers deny wrongdoing or refuse cooperation, repatriation can take weeks or months.
India’s Migrant Workforce Faces Risk
This situation isn’t unique. Lakhs of Indian workers, especially from states like Jharkhand, Bihar, and Uttar Pradesh, work in the Gulf region. Many take low-paying jobs in construction, cleaning, or domestic service.
While some migrants find success, many face wage theft, abuse, or neglect. Reports from the International Labour Organization (ILO) show that over 50% of low-wage workers in the Gulf have faced delayed or partial payments.
The COVID-19 crisis worsened these issues. Many workers lost jobs without notice or were sent home without compensation.
What Needs to Change
This case shows why migrant workers need stronger protection. Labor experts want the Indian government to act faster and more effectively. Suggestions include:
- Clear legal aid for workers abroad
- Crackdown on unlicensed recruitment agents
- Support systems in local languages
- Faster response teams in embassies
Experts also say the government should monitor working conditions more closely and ensure companies follow rules.
Final Thoughts
The Jharkhand workers’ ordeal reflects a deeper problem with labor migration. Many Indians leave their villages with hope but end up trapped in foreign lands without support. These men need urgent help — not only to return home, but also to recover wages and dignity.
Their story is a wake-up call. India must protect its migrant workers from such hardship and hold exploitative employers accountable.
