DCW writes to Swaraj to help 45 women trapped in Oman

Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) Chairperson Swati Maliwal has appealed External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to help all the 45 women trapped in Oman and ensure their safe return India.

Maliwal wrote to Swaraj requesting a meeting with her. "Sushma Swaraj is extremely pro-active in such matters and I am confident that she will definitely help the women," said Maliwal.

According to a report, as many as 45 women who were promised secure nursing jobs in Dubai were duped by their employment agent and deported to Oman instead to work as house maids. The women and their families have urged the Indian government to bring them to India.

After approaching the Indian Embassy and not getting any support, the women lodged a complaint through an NGO associated to DCW. They also claimed to have been beaten up and deprived of food.

The Commission was informed that these women were not treated properly by their employers and had been beaten several times. Among these, a 60-year-old woman was reportedly thrashed by her employer.

While some employers misbehaved, others exploited their maids with excessive work. Moreover, their passports have also been impounded, ending their possibility of escaping Oman. The employers have also threatened them with jail time whenever they requested to return home.

Many are waiting desperately to be reunited with their families. The decision of leaving their country to earn well for their families has landed them in a mess from which they are not able to get out.