A 30-year-old woman from Balangir district, Odisha, who was sold by her husband to a United Arab Emirates (UAE) national in 2019, finally returned to India on June 7 after enduring seven years of hardship. Currently in Mumbai, she is expected to return soon to her village in Titilagarh block, where her three daughters have been living with their grandparents and eagerly await her arrival.
How the Rescue Unfolded
Her homecoming was made possible through the coordinated efforts of the Indian Consulate in Dubai and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with financial assistance from the Indian Community Welfare Fund. According to her family, the woman and her husband had traveled to Mumbai in search of work in 2019, where he sold her to a UAE national to work as a maid.
She briefly visited India in 2022 with her employer, but after returning to the Gulf, her family gradually lost contact with her. Her passport was allegedly retained illegally by her sponsor, severely restricting her travel and communication. As months turned into years with no word, her family grew increasingly anxious. In desperation, they approached local authorities and social activists, and a social worker brought the matter to the Odisha High Court.
Social Media Video Sparks Action
The case gained momentum when a video of her pleading for help circulated on social media. Authorities intensified efforts to locate her and re-establish communication. Officials at the Indian Consulate in Dubai liaised with Emirati authorities, verifying her identity through official records. Once found, the consulate discovered she was financially struggling and unable to return to India on her own.
The consulate arranged temporary housing and essentials for her. Her flight back was organized with assistance from the Indian Community Welfare Fund, which also covered the cost of her ticket. After completing all required paperwork, she was granted permission to travel back to India.
