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Hyderabad Woman Stranded in Oman
Hyderabad Woman Stranded in Oman After Being Scammed by Travel Agent
Tricked by a Fraudulent Agent
A woman from Hyderabad, Najma Begum, found herself trapped in Oman after being scammed by a local travel agent who promised her a job as a housemaid in Muscat. The agent, a woman, offered the job to Najma under false pretenses. Initially hopeful about the opportunity, Najma arrived in Muscat on July 30, only to face harsh and exploitative working conditions.
Escape and Plea for Help
Najma’s situation deteriorated quickly as she worked in the home of a wealthy sheikh. Suffering from both psychological harassment and the challenges of managing her diabetes, Najma decided to flee her employer’s house. Fortunately, she found temporary refuge in the Indian Embassy’s shelter in Muscat, Oman, where she is currently staying.
Mother’s Desperate Plea to Authorities
Back home in Hyderabad, Najma’s mother, Ahmadi Begum, sought help from Indian authorities. In a letter to Union External Affairs Minister Subramanian Jaishankar, Ahmadi Begum explained her daughter’s situation and pleaded for swift action to bring her back to India. She urged the authorities to ask the Indian Embassy in Oman to facilitate her daughter’s rescue.
Public Appeal Through Social Media
Majlis Bachao Tehreek (MBT) spokesperson Amjedullah Khan also took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to bring attention to Najma’s plight. He appealed to Minister Jaishankar for urgent intervention, calling on the Indian government to take necessary steps to ensure her safe return.
Psychological and Health Struggles
Najma’s family disclosed that her health was further compromised due to the difficult living conditions and psychological stress she endured while working. Being a diabetic patient, her well-being was already fragile, and the harassment she faced added to her mental and emotional burden.
Scams Targeting Vulnerable Workers
This tragic incident highlights the broader issue of travel agent scams that target vulnerable individuals, especially women seeking employment abroad. Unsuspecting people like Najma often fall prey to these fraudulent schemes, lured by the promise of better job opportunities but end up in dangerous and exploitative situations.
Government’s Role in Protecting Overseas Workers
Ahmadi Begum’s appeal emphasizes the need for stronger government intervention in ensuring the safety and well-being of Indian citizens working abroad. The Ministry of External Affairs, through the Indian Embassy in Oman, is expected to play a critical role in bringing Najma back home and providing her the support she desperately needs.
Legal and Diplomatic Measures
While Najma is safe for now in the Indian Embassy’s shelter, her case serves as a reminder of the importance of legal and diplomatic measures to protect workers from falling into such traps. The involvement of both local law enforcement and the Indian government is essential in preventing further cases like Najma’s and ensuring justice for those affected.
Disclaimer:
The information provided is based on available sources and news reports. The names and details mentioned are for informational purposes only, and actions or updates on the case should be followed through verified official channels.
