The threats being faced by Indians in the U.S. need expeditious action from the government (“Prejudice makes no distinction”, March 15). But unfortunately, we do not show the same concern for the plight of millions of Indians working in West Asia. The workforce, mainly from the lower strata, has helped fill Indian coffers with foreign exchange decades before IT professionals trooped to the West.
There were several instances of reported ill-treatment and confiscation of passports by Gulf employers which cannot be overlooked. Many even starve for days after being terminated.
There is a need to check the credentials of agencies engaged in recruitment. There are no foolproof labour laws in Gulf countries where the system of monarchy still prevails. Many a time, the Indian Embassy’s soft approach of not wanting to antagonise local governments is to blame. The fact that most are not in the elite category of well-qualified professionals should not be a reason for them to be treated as sub-humans.
V. Subramanian, Chennai
