Thu Jan 16 19:24:04 UTC 2025: ## 16 Indian Workers Trapped in Libya Await Repatriation

**Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, India –** Sixteen Indian men, mostly from the Gorakhpur district of Uttar Pradesh, are stranded in Libya after being lured by fraudulent recruitment agencies promising lucrative jobs. The men, employed at the Libyan Cement Company in Benghazi, have been without work or wages for four months following a dispute with their contractor.

The workers, primarily from impoverished rural backgrounds, fell victim to a network of unregistered recruitment agencies operating in the region. These agencies prey on vulnerable communities by offering enticing job prospects in West Asia and North Africa, often employing deceptive tactics such as confiscating passports under the pretext of visa updates. The men’s plight highlights the desperation caused by rural distress, poverty, and high unemployment rates in the region.

Anita Devi, whose son Vishal is among those trapped, described the family’s struggles and the agonizing uncertainty surrounding her son’s situation. The family, like many others in the area, relies on unsustainable farming practices and is burdened by high-interest loans from local moneylenders. The lure of a ₹40,000 monthly salary proved too strong to resist, despite the risks involved.

The workers’ conditions are described as prison-like, with 16-hour workdays and unscheduled shifts. Following a confrontation with their Libyan contractor, Abu Bakkr, over working conditions, they have been left jobless and unpaid. Their tourist visas, obtained instead of work permits, further complicate their legal standing in Libya.

While the Indian Embassy in Tripoli and the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) have acknowledged the situation and are working with Libyan authorities to process exit cards for repatriation, no definite timeline has been given. The workers have recently been moved from the factory to a house, but their return remains uncertain.

This incident underscores the vulnerability of unemployed youth in Uttar Pradesh who lack skilled training and are forced to seek work abroad through unofficial channels. The high number of unregistered recruitment agencies, coupled with a lack of awareness and educational opportunities, contributes to the exploitation of these individuals. Local non-profits and concerned individuals are advocating for government intervention to bring the trapped workers home safely and address the systemic issues contributing to this problem.

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