Can Odisha Urge MEA to Rescue Stranded Workers in Thailand?
Synopsis
The Odisha government has taken a significant step by appealing to the Ministry of External Affairs for urgent assistance in rescuing six stranded workers in Thailand. These workers have not received their wages for months and are facing dire conditions, prompting a desperate call for intervention to ensure their safety and return home.
Key Takeaways
Odisha government seeks MEA intervention.
Six workers stranded in Thailand.
Workers have not received salaries for three months.
Distressing living conditions reported.
Request for urgent rescue and repatriation made.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 19 (NationPress) The government of Odisha has officially reached out to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), calling for immediate action to facilitate the safe and urgent rescue and repatriation of emigrant workers from Odisha currently trapped in Thailand.
In a letter directed to the Additional Secretary of the MEA (Southern Division) on Wednesday, Principal Resident Commissioner Vishal Gagan highlighted a communication from the Director of Odisha Paribar, part of the Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Department, concerning this pressing matter.
Detailing the situation, he mentioned that six emigrant workers from Odisha, employed by a plywood company in Thailand, are enduring extreme hardships. They have not received their salaries for the past three months and are living in dire conditions.
The Principal Resident Commissioner also notified the MEA that these workers reached out to the state government via social media, pleading for urgent assistance to facilitate their rescue and safe return to Odisha.
Among the stranded workers are Jashobanta Sahoo, Prasanta Rout, Bijaya Kumar Swain, Hemanata Behera, and Jayant Kumar Malik, all from Kendrapara district, while Manaranjan Sahu is from Bhadrak district.
The Principal Resident Commissioner urged the MEA to take swift and appropriate measures to rescue and repatriate the stranded emigrant workers from Thailand. He also called upon the MEA to ensure that the workers receive their outstanding salaries from their employer in Thailand, in line with their contractual agreements.
“Considering the serious nature of their plight, it is requested that immediate action be taken for the disbursement of wages owed to the emigrant workers and for their urgent rescue and safe return to their homes in Odisha. We earnestly seek prompt action on this matter,” the Commissioner emphasized in the letter.
In a video message shared on social media, the six trapped migrant workers from Odisha claimed they have been denied their wages for several months, are facing threats from their employer, and are suffering from severe food shortages and unacceptable living conditions.
They appealed to the Odisha government for intervention to ensure their rescue and swift return to India.
Point of View
It's imperative to highlight that the plight of migrant workers needs urgent attention. The ongoing situation in Thailand illustrates the vulnerabilities faced by laborers abroad. The government must act decisively, ensuring the safety and rights of these workers are upheld. This is a matter that transcends state lines, reflecting our collective responsibility to protect our citizens, regardless of where they are.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current situation of the stranded workers?
The six migrant workers from Odisha are currently in Thailand, facing severe hardships, including unpaid salaries for three months and distressing living conditions.
What actions is the Odisha government taking?
The Odisha government has reached out to the Ministry of External Affairs, requesting immediate intervention for the workers' rescue and safe repatriation.
Who are the stranded workers?
The stranded workers include Jashobanta Sahoo, Prasanta Rout, Bijaya Kumar Swain, Hemanata Behera, Jayant Kumar Malik, and Manaranjan Sahu.
How have the workers communicated their plight?
The workers have approached the Odisha government through social media platforms, pleading for urgent assistance.
What is being requested from the MEA?
The Principal Resident Commissioner has requested the MEA to take immediate action for the workers' rescue and ensure they receive their pending salaries.
