Families of labourers stuck in Oman seek government help

They claimed that a private travel agent in Chennai recruited around 50 labourers from across the country for posts such as plumbers, electricians and masons for a private company based out of Oman. They were promised a higher pay and only six days of work.

The labourers paid more than Rs 1 lakh to the travel agent. But once they started working there, they realised that the agent had lied to them. The men were tortured in Oman and were given no holidays.

Pechiammal, wife of Ponraj from Kovilpatti in Thoothukudi district, said that her husband had gone to Oman eight months ago. He was recruited as a plumber but was made to work as a construction labourer.

Pechiammal also said that her husband was made to work for all seven days a week and was not allowed to rest. When they refused to work on Fridays, their bosses disconnected power supply to their rooms, forcing them to work.

She also claimed that they were not being allowed to return to India. Their passports were seized and they were asked to pay a large amount of money to be allowed to return, said Pechiammal.

Out of the 50 labourers, five are from Kovilpatti and its surrounding villages.

Meanwhile, some of the workers there released a video in social media claiming that they were being tortured. The workers had also alleged that when they approached officials at the Indian Embassy, they favoured the company and refused to help them.