Duped by travel agents, youths stuck in Dubai

Mahesh Sharma

Mandi Ahmedgarh, June 14

Duped by unauthorised travel agents, over 10 Malwa youths stuck in Dubai are seeking help from the Government of India and social organisations to facilitate their return.

Manpreet Singh Channon, a youth from the local Dehliz road area, said he, along with many youths from various areas in Malwa, were working in an industrial unit at Saja in Dubai. Following the Covid outbreak, the company suspended operations and their wages were stopped.

‘Not paid a penny by employers’

Advertisement

Even though we were not being paid, our agents and employers promised us Rs25,000 per month so that we can send some money to our families. However, we have not been paid a single penny. — Manpreet Singh Channon, youth stuck in Dubai

“Even though we were not being paid, our agents and employers promised us Rs 25,000 per month, so that we can send some money to our families. But we have not been paid a single penny. Instead, the company is asking us for 1,400 dirham to get our passports back,” said Channon, an aggrieved youth.

He said the company had not been providing them medical facility as was promised at the time of signing of the contract.

Avtar Singh of Bhadaur town said his agent had promised him a monthly salary of Rs 35,000, but he had not been paid. Like Channon, he had also shelled out Rs 80,000 for getting a job in Dubai. “Now that we have no resources, we want the Government of India and social organisations to help us,” said Avtar.

They said more than 10 youths from the Malwa region were stranded at Saja. “We are not allowed to go out of the industrial unit premises,” Channon said.