Ranchi, November 29, 2025: Relief is finally on the horizon for five migrant workers from Jharkhand who have been stranded in Cameroon for several months, facing severe financial difficulties due to non-payment of their salaries. The workers, employed by a Mumbai-based multinational private company for transmission line laying work in the central African nation, had been grappling with mounting challenges relating to accommodation, sustenance, and the uncertainty of their return. Officials have confirmed that the five workers will be returning to India on Tuesday, bringing an end to a distressing chapter in their lives.

Background of the Stranded Workers

The five workers—Sunil Mahato, Sukar Mahato, Chandrashekhar Kumar, and Dilon Mahato, all residents of the Vishnugarh police station area in Hazaribagh district, along with Dilchand Mahato of Dumri in Giridih district—had initially traveled to Cameroon in pursuit of better employment opportunities. Their assignment involved laying transmission lines, a task that required both technical skill and long working hours in challenging conditions. While the initial period of employment went smoothly, problems began to surface when the workers stopped receiving their salaries, which were due for five consecutive months.

The lack of payment led to a financial crisis for the stranded workers. According to reports, they struggled to meet basic needs such as food and accommodation. This forced them into a situation of extreme vulnerability in a foreign country, with little means to secure their daily sustenance or communicate effectively with their families back home. The prolonged non-payment of salaries created mental and emotional stress, further complicating their situation.

Role of Social Activists and Labour Department

The plight of these workers came to light when a social activist, Sikander Ali, received a video from the stranded workers narrating their ordeal. The video depicted the severity of the situation, highlighting the workers’ desperation and the challenges they faced living without their rightful wages. Ali immediately took up their cause, reaching out to the Jharkhand Labour Department and bringing the issue to the attention of relevant authorities.

“The workers were facing severe difficulties because of non-payment of their salaries, and their basic living conditions had deteriorated significantly,” said Sikander Ali. “After receiving their video, we decided to take immediate action and contacted the Labour department to ensure they received assistance.”

The Labour Department, recognizing the urgency of the situation, coordinated with the Indian Embassy in Cameroon to resolve the matter. The Embassy played a pivotal role in engaging with local authorities and negotiating with the employer to clear the pending dues of the five workers. This coordination ensured that the workers’ rights were upheld and their financial grievances addressed.

Efforts by the Indian Embassy

Shikha Lakra, the team leader of the State Migrant Control Room, provided details on the intervention. According to her, the department compiled all necessary documentation, including employment records and correspondence with the employer, and submitted them to the Indian Embassy in Cameroon.

“We got in touch with the Indian Embassy and shared all the documents related to the workers and their employer. The Embassy liaised with local authorities and ensured that the pending salaries of each of the five workers, amounting to five months, were cleared,” Lakra said.

After completing all formalities, the Embassy facilitated the booking of flight tickets for the workers’ return to India. Their flight is scheduled to land in Mumbai on Tuesday, after which they will make their way home to Jharkhand by rail at their own expense.

Emotional Relief for Families

The return of the workers comes as a huge relief for their families, who had been enduring sleepless nights and growing anxiety over the safety and well-being of their loved ones. For many families, these migrant workers were the primary breadwinners, and the prolonged absence of income had caused significant financial strain back home.

“The workers and their families have been under tremendous stress for months. Finally, the government’s intervention has ensured that they will be safely brought back home,” said Sikander Ali. “This resolution provides not just financial relief but also emotional closure for the families who have been waiting anxiously for their safe return.”

Challenges Faced Abroad

Stranded workers in foreign countries face a unique set of challenges. Beyond financial hardships, they often contend with language barriers, unfamiliar legal systems, and limited access to consular support. In the case of these Jharkhand migrants, the combination of unpaid wages and the difficulty of securing accommodations created a precarious situation.

Officials highlighted that migrant workers are particularly vulnerable when employed by private multinational companies, especially in regions with limited regulatory oversight. The case underscores the importance of robust mechanisms to protect Indian citizens working abroad, ensuring that their labor rights are respected and their safety is guaranteed.

Government and Administrative Intervention

The collaborative efforts between social activists, the State Labour Department, and the Indian Embassy exemplify how coordinated action can successfully resolve cases involving overseas workers in distress. Lakra emphasized that such interventions are critical in addressing issues faced by migrant laborers.

“Prompt action and close coordination between state authorities and the Embassy ensured that the grievances of the workers were addressed efficiently. This case demonstrates the importance of proactive administrative measures to safeguard the welfare of Indian workers abroad,” she said.

Significance of the Resolution

The return of the five Jharkhand workers is not just a resolution of an individual case but also a broader reminder of the challenges faced by migrant laborers worldwide. Their ordeal highlights the necessity of vigilance, advocacy, and administrative support in ensuring that workers’ rights are protected, particularly in countries where labor regulations may differ from India’s.

Experts have noted that the growing trend of Indians seeking employment abroad, especially in Africa and the Middle East, necessitates stronger safeguards and emergency response mechanisms to prevent exploitation and ensure timely repatriation when issues arise.

Looking Ahead

Once back in Jharkhand, the five workers are expected to reunite with their families, marking the end of a stressful and uncertain period. While the journey back home will provide immediate relief, authorities have indicated that follow-up measures will be taken to ensure such situations are prevented in the future.

The Labour Department has also highlighted the importance of raising awareness among migrant workers regarding their rights, contractual obligations, and avenues for redressal in case of exploitation. Social activists like Sikander Ali have emphasized that continuous monitoring and support networks for migrant workers can significantly reduce the risks faced while working abroad.

Conclusion

The case of the five stranded Jharkhand migrant workers in Cameroon underscores the vulnerabilities faced by Indians seeking employment overseas. Delayed salaries, lack of support, and isolation in a foreign country can lead to severe hardships, affecting both the workers and their families. Thanks to coordinated efforts by social activists, the Labour Department, and the Indian Embassy, these workers will finally return home, with their pending salaries cleared.

Their story serves as both a cautionary tale and a testament to the power of advocacy, administrative diligence, and international cooperation in protecting the rights and welfare of migrant laborers. As India continues to witness a growing workforce seeking opportunities abroad, this incident reinforces the need for systematic measures to ensure the safety, financial security, and dignity of all Indian citizens working overseas.

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