The article highlights the ongoing issue of Indian workers being exploited abroad, focusing on a particular case of 16 workers who were deceived into working under harsh conditions in Libya.
These workers had initially traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for employment but were later coerced into moving to Benghazi, Libya, to work in a cement factory.
While the Indian government provided them with food and supplies, they couldn’t leave without the proper exit permits.
This case is not unique, as there have been other similar incidents, such as a fire in a Kuwaiti labor camp that killed at least 40 Indian workers. Despite these tragedies, the conditions of Indian workers abroad remain a significant issue.
Indian workers abroad make up a vital part of the country’s economy, with around 13 million people working in different parts of the world, primarily in the Gulf countries.
In 2022 alone, Indian workers sent back approximately $111 billion in remittances, which plays a crucial role in supporting India’s economy. However, many of these workers face exploitative conditions, including high recruitment fees and low wages.
One of the most harmful systems contributing to their exploitation is the “kafala” system, which ties workers to a specific employer, making it difficult for them to change jobs or leave without their employer’s consent.
This system leads to unsafe working conditions and limits the workers’ freedom, trapping them in a cycle of abuse and low pay.
The Indian government has attempted to address these issues through the introduction of the e-Migrate system, designed to regulate labor migration and protect workers going to countries that require Emigration Clearance (ECR).
However, this system is not perfect, as many recruitment agents bypass the rules, leaving workers vulnerable.
Additionally, the e-Migrate system does not apply to non-ECR countries like Israel and Russia, where Indian workers have faced even worse conditions, including working in conflict zones.
This highlights the need for more comprehensive reforms to protect workers from exploitation and ensure their safety abroad.
The article argues that while reforms like strengthening the Emigration Act and improving monitoring of recruitment agents are necessary, a more sustainable solution lies in improving the economic conditions within India.
If there were more opportunities for good employment in India, fewer people would feel the need to seek work in dangerous and exploitative conditions abroad.
This shift would not only improve the quality of life for many people but also reduce the risks associated with working overseas.
Even when Indian workers face severe problems abroad and are brought back to India, they often find themselves returning to a bleak future with limited opportunities.
Despite the hardships they face, many still prefer to work abroad, believing it offers better prospects than staying in India.
The Indian government, therefore, needs to do more than celebrate the success of its diaspora.
It must also address the struggles of the workers who are the backbone of the remittance economy.
The Pravasi Bharatiya Sammelan, a platform for the Indian diaspora, should be used to discuss these issues and work towards real solutions that can improve the lives of these workers.
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The Editorial Page of The Hindu is an essential reading for all the students aspiring for UPSC, SSC, PCS, Judiciary etc or any other competitive government exams.
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