Al menos 16 trabajadores indios, principalmente de Uttar Pradesh y Bihar, están varados en Libia.
The workers, lured to Libya with promises of lucrative jobs at a cement factory in Benghazi, are under dire conditions, facing challenges related to lack of proper documentation and exploitation by fake recruitment agencies.

They arrived in Libya via Dubai four months ago under tourist visas, facilitated by a Libyan national named Abu Bakkar. Upon reaching the cement factory in Benghazi, they discovered the reality of long working hours, unpaid wages, and deteriorating living conditions.

According to reports, these workers have been confined to two rooms and live in fear of apprehension by local authorities due to their undocumented status.

A confrontation in September, triggered by the workers’ demands for overdue wages and reduced working hours, further complicated their predicament. Since then, their work hours have doubled, with unscheduled shifts often called past midnight.

MEA’s Response
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed its efforts to assist the stranded workers. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged the workers’ undocumented entry into Libya.
“These workers had gone to Libya without proper documents, and when they landed there, issues arose concerning their work arrangements,” said Jaiswal during a media briefing on December 20.

He emphasized that the Indian embassy in Libya is actively coordinating with local authorities to expedite the process of obtaining exit permits.

Jaiswal also highlighted the assistance provided by the Indian community and the embassy. “Our embassy, with the help of local community members, has been providing food and essential supplies to the workers. The situation remains delicate, but we are closely monitoring developments and are committed to resolving the issue.”

In this challenging situation, members of the Indian community in Libya have stepped in to offer critical support. Tabassum Mansoor, a social worker and principal of the Indian International School in Benghazi, has been instrumental in assisting the workers. Mansoor has coordinated efforts to ensure their basic needs are met while the embassy works on resolving legal complications.

Exploitative practices of fake recruitment agencies
This incident sheds light on the exploitative practices of fake recruitment agencies that prey on unemployed youth in rural India. These agencies advertise high-paying overseas jobs and facilitate travel without proper documentation, leaving workers vulnerable to exploitation.

The workers stranded in Benghazi are among the many victims of such fraudulent practices. They were promised jobs at the cement factory but were sent on tourist visas, bypassing standard employment visa procedures. Upon arrival, they were subjected to grueling work conditions and denied their rightful wages.

The Indian government has consistently advised citizens against traveling to Libya due to security risks. A travel ban has been in place since April 2016, following heightened security concerns in the region. Despite this, fake recruitment agencies continue to exploit loopholes, putting workers at significant risk.

The MEA has assured the workers that every effort is being made to expedite the process of securing their exit permits. “Since their entry into Libya was undocumented, the process is taking some time,” said Jaiswal, reiterating the government’s commitment to ensuring their safe return.

To prevent similar incidents in the future, the government has urged individuals to refrain from traveling abroad without proper documentation and to verify the authenticity of recruitment agencies. The MEA is also exploring mechanisms to crack down on fraudulent agencies and raise awareness among potential job seekers in rural areas.

Conclusion
The plight of the 16 Indian workers stranded in Libya serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those seeking better opportunities abroad. While the Indian government and community members in Libya work tirelessly to bring them home, the incident calls for urgent action to address systemic issues in recruitment practices and safeguard the welfare of Indian workers overseas.

Moreover, this case highlights the challenges faced by Indian workers abroad, particularly in countries with unstable political and economic conditions. It underscores the need for stricter enforcement of regulations governing overseas employment and enhanced support mechanisms for workers in distress.