Hyderabad Woman Alleges Exploitation in Oman: Forced Labor, Unpaid Wages

A woman from Hyderabad has accused a recruitment agent of trapping her in abusive working conditions in Oman. Shabnam Begum, who traveled to the Gulf country on March 26, said she was promised a job as a housemaid but was instead forced to work 15 hours daily without pay for three months. She claimed the local agent misled her about the nature of the work and that she was not given any wages during her stay. Begum’s family in India raised the alarm after they lost contact with her. The case highlights the vulnerability of migrant workers, especially women, who often fall prey to fraudulent recruitment practices. Many Indians travel to Gulf countries for better employment opportunities but sometimes face exploitation, including long hours, withheld wages, and restricted movement. Begum has appealed for help from Indian authorities to return home safely. The Ministry of External Affairs has been alerted, and officials are working to ascertain her situation and provide assistance. The incident has sparked concerns about the need for stricter regulations on recruitment agencies and better protection for overseas workers. Begum’s family is hopeful that she will be rescued soon.