Indian mission in Dubai repatriates 112 distressed women in 2020

Dubai - Majority of the women who wished to return were victims of illegal job scams.

A total of 112 distressed Indian women were repatriated since January this year, a senior official at the Consulate-General of India in Dubai told Khaleej Times. "Of these, 82 were sent from the consulate shelter, while 30 were repatriated directly," said Neeraj Agarwal, Consul - press, information and culture.

On Tuesday and Wednesday (September 7 and 8), two women were repatriated to Hyderabad and Amritsar.  

The diplomat said majority of the women who wished to return were victims of illegal job scams. "Many others could not cope with the job requirements and some were subjected to some form of trauma as well," said Agarwal.

"On Tuesday, we had two cases. Rani was brought to the UAE by an illegal agent on the promise of a better job opportunity, but was left stranded. We provided her with shelter," he said.

The second woman, Sandeep Kaur, arrived in the UAE with the promise of a lucrative job. "She did not have a problem with her employer as such and had some medical issues," Agarwal explained.

Don't bypass e-migrate system

He stressed that it was very important that women who come on housemaid visas not bypass the e-migrate system. "The system ensures their safety and well-being. We do not want them to fall into trouble once they arrive here," he added.

Roop Sidhu, general secretary of the Indian Association in Ajman, said they have helped repatriate 60 women. "Housemaid cases are a daily issue for us. The cases are a mixed bag, but I can say a majority of the cases are women who come here on a visit visa in search of a job as domestic helpers. They are mostly victims of fraudulent recruitment agents.  

"Once they come here, they realise the situation is very different. They are kept in various homes on a trial basis and if their work is satisfactory, they are hired. Not everyone is comfortable with the process."

He said some of them are not happy with the work, some are ill-treated, while others have a language problem.

In such cases, Chaya Devi, the distress cases in-charge at the Indian Association Ajman intervenes, and with help from the consulate, repatriate them.

Hiring an Indian housemaid via the e-migrate system requires individuals to deposit a refundable amount of Dh9,200. "This is not an affordable amount for many. That is why people end up going to independent agents since it is cheaper," he explained.

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com

• Dubai