National Human Rights Commission Takes Action on Stranded Migrant Workers in Dubai
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has taken decisive action this week, issuing a formal notice to the Jharkhand state government. This move comes in response to alarming media reports indicating that at least fourteen migrant workers from Jharkhand have become stranded in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, under distressing circumstances.
Commission's Suo Motu Cognisance of Media Reports
The NHRC stated it has taken suo motu cognisance of detailed media coverage revealing that workers hailing from the Giridih, Hazaribag, and Bokaro districts of Jharkhand are currently trapped in Dubai. The Commission has expressed grave concern, observing that if the reports are accurate, they point to serious violations of fundamental human rights.
In its official statement, the NHRC confirmed it has issued notices to both the Chief Secretary of Jharkhand and the head of the State Migrant Workers Control Room (MWCR). These notices demand a comprehensive, detailed report on the entire matter to be submitted within a strict two-week timeframe.
Allegations of Exploitation and Rights Violations
According to the media reports cited by the Commission, the workers were employed by a company engaged in transmission line work. The situation has escalated severely, with the company allegedly seizing the workers' passports, effectively blocking their ability to return home to India. Furthermore, the workers are reportedly not receiving their due wages, compounding their plight.
The stranded laborers have made desperate appeals to the Jharkhand government, pleading for intervention to facilitate their safe repatriation to India, as highlighted by the human rights panel.
Detailed Account of Worker Hardships
A specific media report from February 3 provided harrowing details from one of the stranded workers, communicated via telephone. The worker revealed that the employing company has "deducted" the majority of their salaries. These deductions are purportedly to recover the initial costs incurred for purchasing the workers' air tickets from India to Dubai.
The financial exploitation extends further, with the company also charging the workers for their accommodation. This has led to an untenable situation where, according to the report, the workers do not even have sufficient money to purchase basic food for themselves. This combination of passport confiscation, wage theft, and additional financial burdens has created a humanitarian crisis for the affected individuals.
The NHRC's intervention underscores the critical role of national institutions in safeguarding the rights of Indian citizens abroad, particularly vulnerable migrant workers. The Commission's demand for a swift report places significant responsibility on the Jharkhand state machinery to investigate, verify the facts, and outline concrete steps for the workers' rescue and welfare.
