‘Migrants in appalling conditions in Oman’

A number of migrant workers from Tamil Nadu employed in Oman are working in appalling conditions for very low wages, a survey conducted by a team of Dindigul-based NGO — Peace Trust — alleged here. The jobs provided to them are menial as compared to their qualification and their salaries are paltry, it said citing the case of those employed as sweepers in Oman.

Most of the workers, who are well-qualified from the southern districts are staying in dormitory type camps and work like bonded labourers for a paltry 55 Riyals (Rs 6,000) per month against a salary of Rs 15,000 promised to them by the recruitment agents. Of their salary, they spend about Rs 14,000 for renewal of their worker ID cards annually.

The migrant workers, sent by bogus recruiting agents from southern districts, do not get any benefits enjoyed by the employees that normally come with employment in the Gulf.

Many of them were seeking employment in construction department also and were harassed and teased by the natives in many ways, says the study. The women employees in garment companies are worst off and are not allowed to go out anywhere except to their place of work and lodging. They are allowed to go shopping only for half a day in three months.