How Can 19 Jharkhand Labourers Stranded in Cameroon Get Help?
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Synopsis
Nineteen migrant laborers from Jharkhand are trapped in Cameroon, pleading for government assistance. Their desperate situation highlights the dangers of overseas employment amid unpaid wages and dire living conditions. With rising concerns about migrant safety, it's crucial to address the root causes of forced migration and seek immediate solutions.
Key Takeaways
- Nineteen workers are stranded in Cameroon.
- They have not received wages for four months.
- Social activists are pushing for urgent government action.
- There is a need for more job opportunities in Jharkhand.
- The situation reflects broader issues in labor migration policies.
Ranchi, Aug 14 (NationPress) Nineteen migrant laborers from Jharkhand’s Bokaro and Hazaribagh districts find themselves trapped in the west African country of Cameroon, urgently seeking help from both central and state authorities for their repatriation.
The workers, who went to Cameroon via a private agency for jobs in electricity transmission, claim they have not received their wages for the last four months.
In a series of videos posted on social media, they outlined their dire circumstances, indicating that they are struggling to secure food, water, and other essential resources.
“We rely on charity to get by. If someone gets sick, we can’t even afford medical care,” one worker stated in a video.
The workers include Prem Tudu, Sibon Tudu, Somar Besra, Puran Tudu, Ramji Hansada, Virwa Hansda, Mahendra Hansda, and Bablu Soren from Bokaro, along with Aghnu Soren, Ashok Soren, Chetlal Soren, Mahesh Marandi, Ramji Marandi, Lalchand Murmu, Phoolchand Murmu, Budhan Murmu, Jiblal Manjhi, Chhotan Baske, and Rajendra Kisku from Hazaribagh.
Social activist Sikandar Ali, who advocates for migrant workers, has called for immediate diplomatic action to facilitate their safe return.
He noted that this situation is not unique, citing previous instances where Jharkhand laborers, drawn by the allure of high salaries abroad, ended up in exploitative situations requiring protracted negotiations for their return.
Ali emphasized the necessity for the government to generate more job opportunities within Jharkhand to mitigate the forced migration of workers.
“If there aren’t sufficient jobs available here, laborers will continue to jeopardize their lives and livelihoods in foreign countries,” he remarked.
Previously, five migrant workers from Jharkhand were kidnapped in Niger, another West African nation, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
Point of View
It is essential to recognize the plight of these stranded laborers as a pressing national issue. Their situation underscores systemic failures in labor migration policies and the urgent need for government intervention to protect our citizens abroad. We must advocate for safer employment opportunities at home and ensure that our workers are not left vulnerable to exploitation.
NationPress
19/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are the Jharkhand laborers stranded in Cameroon?
The laborers are stranded due to unpaid wages and a lack of basic necessities, which has forced them to seek urgent help from their government.
What actions are being taken for their rescue?
Social activists are urging the government to expedite diplomatic efforts to ensure the safe return of the stranded workers.
How can the government prevent such incidents in the future?
By creating more local employment opportunities, the government can help reduce the forced migration of workers seeking better prospects abroad.
What are the implications of their situation?
The plight of these laborers highlights the risks associated with overseas employment and the need for better protective measures for migrant workers.
Have there been similar incidents in the past?
Yes, there have been previous cases where Jharkhand laborers have faced exploitation abroad, requiring lengthy negotiations for their return.
