In circumstances like passport confiscation, long shifts and life in prison.

The difficult conditions of many Indian laborers working in a cement factory in Benghazi, African country Libya, have come to light. The workers allege that they have been kept in jail-like conditions. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is active to help them.

Foreign Ministry statement

External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said:

• These Indian laborers had reached Benghazi via Dubai.
• They did not have proper documents, due to which they were facing problems in work and legal issues.
• “Our embassy extended help to the workers through the local community. Food and essential items have been arranged for them.”

Exit permit is the biggest challenge

The spokesperson said that exit permit is the biggest obstacle in the return of workers.

• Since these workers went to Libya without valid documents, a permit is required to leave Libya.
• “We are in touch with Libyan authorities and trying to resolve this problem as soon as possible,” Jaiswal said.

pain of stranded workers

As reported by The Hindu:

• 16 Indian workers have been trapped in prison-like conditions in the cement factory of Benghazi for the last four months.
• Most of these laborers are from Uttar Pradesh and Bihar.
• They say irregular salary payments, long working hours, and violation of contract terms are making their situation worse.

Story of Mithilesh of Gorakhpur

Mithilesh Vishwakarma, 26, said:

• He went from Lucknow to Dubai in September 2023 and reached Benghazi from there.
• Contractor Abu Bakkar covered the expenses for his air travel and tourist visa.
• As soon as he reached Benghazi, his passport was confiscated with the pretext that his visa would be updated.
• Since then his and other workers’ passports have not been returned.

Problems started from the third month

• Wage cuts started.
• Fellow workers warned of serious consequences if they raised any issue.

Long working hours and exposure to violence

• Earlier the shift was 8.5 hours, now it has doubled.
• Workers started being called for work even after midnight.
• In September, workers demanded outstanding wages and shorter working hours.
• After this the contractor Abu Bakkar came to Benghazi:
  • Beat up two laborers.
  • He was forced to return to work the same day.
• The workers then stopped work, but were not paid any salary.

No identity document, afraid to go out

• The workers are now confined in two rooms of the factory premises.
• They are afraid to go out because they do not have identity documents.

Help from South Asian laborers

Workers from other South Asian countries are also working in the cement factory of Benghazi.

• They have helped Indian laborers buy food and essential goods.
• Rajkumar Sahni, 31, said he will complete two years at the factory on December 21.
• But till now he has not been able to see his 17 month old son.

Indian Government’s commitment

The Ministry of External Affairs has assured that it is committed to ensuring the safe return of stranded Indian workers.

• Contact with Libyan authorities continues.
• The Embassy is monitoring the situation and providing all possible help to the workers.