HYDERABAD: In the past three months alone, as many as 25 persons from Telangana, who went to Gulf countries to work as domestic help, are awaiting a return after torture by their employers. In fact, from Saudi Arabia alone, the bodies of 12 persons, including Asima Khatoon, are yet to be brought back. These details are with the NRI cell of the Telangana government which is pursuing the cases with embassies in those countries for the safe return of those alive as well as the mortal remains of others. The cell wrote to the Indian embassy in Riyadh for release and transportation of Asima’s body.
“The rules and procedures are very strict in the Gulf countries and more so in Saudi Arabia. Gullible victims are taken there on pilgrim, tourist or visiting visas and once the term expires, they become illegal immigrants. Moreover, employers retain the passports and put them in confinement,” said an official, not wishing to be named. If they went on job visas, there would be a registry with the Labour Ministry which would enable monitoring. “Agents are given registration by the Central government. When we get a complaint, we recommend cancellation of the agent’s registration,” he said.