Indian Worker’s Desperate Cry for Help Goes Viral
A heartbreaking video of an Indian migrant worker in Saudi Arabia pleading for rescue has sparked outrage and swift action. In the clip, 32-year-old Satish Kumar from Bihar tearfully says, “Please help me, I will die here”—exposing alleged abuse, unpaid wages, and passport confiscation by his employer. The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has now stepped in to ensure his safety.
Satish’s Harrowing Ordeal in Saudi Arabia
The viral video shows Satish in a cramped room, visibly malnourished and distressed. He claims:
– His employer withheld his salary for months.
– His passport was seized, trapping him in Saudi Arabia.
– He was denied food and medical care, and faced beatings for complaining.
Satish traveled to Saudi Arabia six months ago through a recruitment agency, lured by promises of a well-paid construction job. Instead, he faced exploitative conditions under the kafala system—a sponsorship model notorious for enabling worker abuse in Gulf countries.
Indian Embassy’s Immediate Response
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh tweeted:
“We are aware and working with local authorities to ensure the worker’s safety. Assistance is being provided.”
Officials confirmed Satish has been moved to a shelter home, and efforts are underway to:
✔ Recover his unpaid wages.
✔ Arrange his repatriation to India.
Wider Crisis: Exploitation of Indian Migrant Workers
Satish’s case highlights a systemic issue affecting millions of Indian workers in the Gulf:
– 2.6 million Indians work in Saudi Arabia alone (MEA data).
– 1,500+ distress calls were recorded in 2022 by the Indian Workers’ Resource Centre (IWRC).
– Weak labor protections under the kafala system leave workers vulnerable.
Past incidents, like the suspicious death of Murali Krishnan (denied medical care in Riyadh), show the urgent need for reform.
Calls for Action: Government & Activists Respond
After the video went viral:
– EAM S. Jaishankar assured “urgent action.”
– Opposition leaders (Rahul Gandhi, Tejashwi Yadav) demanded stricter recruitment agency regulations.
– NGOs like Migrant Rights urged:
1. Stronger bilateral labor agreements with Gulf nations.
2. Blacklisting exploitative agencies.
3. Faster grievance redressal systems for workers abroad.
What’s Next for Satish?
Satish is now receiving medical care, and embassy officials are coordinating his return. His family in Bihar, who sold land to fund his migration, awaits his homecoming.
Conclusion: A Systemic Problem Demanding Reform
While Satish’s rescue is a relief, his case underscores the urgent need for policy changes to protect migrant workers. Until then, thousands remain at risk of exploitation in the Gulf.
Follow [Publication Name] for updates on Satish’s repatriation and migrant worker rights.
