MigrantWorkers – Jharkhand Labourers in Dubai Seek Government Help for Return

MigrantWorkers- Nearly 14 migrant workers from Jharkhand have reached out to the state government after facing serious difficulties in Dubai, where they claim they have not been paid for months and are being compelled to work beyond agreed hours.

The workers, hailing from Giridih, Hazaribag, and Bokaro districts, are currently stranded in Dubai and have appealed for assistance to return home safely. State officials confirmed on Monday that the matter has come to their notice and initial steps are underway to verify details and explore possible intervention.

Complaints of unpaid wages and poor living conditions

According to officials from the state migrant control cell, the workers alleged that a private company employing them has withheld salaries for nearly three months. They also claimed that extended working hours have made it increasingly difficult to manage basic needs such as food and accommodation.

A video message sent by the workers outlines their situation and requests urgent help. In the footage, they describe financial distress, limited access to proper meals, and growing uncertainty about their future in a foreign country without income. The video was shared with a social activist known for working on migrant labour issues, who then brought it to the attention of authorities.

State government begins verification process

Officials said they are currently trying to establish direct communication with the affected workers to confirm their identities, employment contracts, and travel documents. This verification is seen as a crucial step before formally engaging with Indian diplomatic missions and local authorities in the United Arab Emirates.

Once the documents are checked, the state plans to coordinate with the Indian Embassy and UAE officials to assess options for ensuring the workers’ safety and arranging their return, if required. Officials stressed that no final decision has been taken yet, but efforts are ongoing to understand the full scope of the issue.

Activist calls for diplomatic intervention

The issue has drawn attention from social activist Sikandar Ali, who has urged both the central and state governments to take firm diplomatic measures. He said that migrant workers from the region have faced similar hardships abroad in the past, often involving delayed wages, contract violations, or poor working conditions.

Ali noted that bringing workers back home in such cases usually requires prolonged coordination and significant effort. Despite these risks, many workers continue to seek overseas employment due to limited job opportunities at home and the promise of better earnings.

Workers identified from multiple districts

The group stranded in Dubai includes workers from several villages across Jharkhand. From Giridih district, those affected include Roshan Kumar and Ajay Kumar from Sariya, as well as Rajesh Mahato and Ajay Kumar from Bagodar. Bokaro district is represented by Daleshwar Mahato from Penk Narayanpur.

Hazaribag district accounts for the largest number, with Jageshwar Mahato and Phalendra Mahato from Khedadih, Baijnath Mahato from Siraiya, and Dilip Mahato, Gangadhar Mahato, Triloki Mahato, Deepak Kumar from Basariya. Rohit Mahato and Seva Mahato from Gorhar are also among those seeking help.

Employment details and timeline

According to information shared by the activist, the workers traveled to Dubai in October 2025 after being recruited for a transmission line project. The project was reportedly being executed by a private company, which the workers now accuse of failing to honor salary commitments.

They claim that despite continuing to work on the project, payments stopped after the initial period, leaving them without income in a foreign country. The lack of wages, combined with rising living expenses, has intensified their hardship.

Ongoing concerns over migrant worker safety

The situation has once again highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers employed overseas, particularly those working through private contractors. Experts and activists have repeatedly called for stronger monitoring mechanisms, better pre-departure awareness, and quicker response systems when workers report abuse or neglect.

For now, the affected workers and their families are waiting for concrete action, hoping that official intervention will help resolve the situation and allow them to return home safely.