The deadlock concerning the repatriation of 50 workers from Jharkhand, who had been stuck in Malaysia for several months, has been settled. All the workers are scheduled to return to their homes and villages between December 11 and 18.
At the request of the Jharkhand Government, the necessary paperwork has been finalized to facilitate their return, with the assistance of the Ministry of External Affairs.
The Directorate of Information and Public Relations of the Jharkhand Government has stated that Chief Minister Hemant Soren is personally managing the entire situation. Currently, all the workers are at the Indian Embassy in Malaysia.
Workers Had Asked For Help Through Video Message
The 50 workers from the Jharkhand districts of Hazaribagh, Bokaro, Giridih, and Dhanbad had gone to Malaysia to be employed by Leadmaster Engineering and Construction Company.
Initially, they received payment and amenities as outlined in their contract, but their wages were delayed for four months subsequently. These workers posted video messages appealing for the central and state governments' help and requesting to return to their home country.
The Jharkhand government's Directorate of Information and Public Relations reported that the State Migrant Control Room received the complaint about the stranded labourers on September 24, 2024.
The return process was delayed after the election code of conduct was enforced by the time the Chief Minister became aware of the issue.
Following the conclusion of the elections and the establishment of a new government, the path has been paved for the workers to return.
Based on the information, the workers' salary was set at 1,700 Malaysian ringgit as per the contract, but they were only receiving 1,500 ringgit, and it was further reduced. Additionally, the company ceased providing them with food and water.
The workers faced threats during their protest and had filed a complaint with the Malaysian police. Subsequently, they submitted the required documents and application concerning this issue to the Labour Department.
Following a request from the Department of Labour, the Indian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur facilitated an agreement between the workers and the company's representatives. The Embassy took custody of all the workers and ensured they received their due payments from the company.