‘It was not a dream job, it was hell': Punjabi girl rescued from Oman through MP Sant Seechewal’s efforts
PTC Web Desk: A disturbing case of alleged human trafficking has surfaced from Punjab, where young women lured by fake overseas job agents were allegedly trafficked to Oman and subjected to mental and physical abuse. One Punjabi girl has been safely brought back to India following the intervention of Rajya Sabha MP Sant Seechewal, exposing a larger network of exploitation targeting vulnerable families.
The victim, who recently returned from Muscat, Oman, revealed harrowing details of how Punjabi and Indian girls are allegedly “sold” under the pretext of domestic work. According to her account, nearly 70 Indian girls, including five from Punjab, are currently trapped in Arab countries after being deceived by agents promising high-paying jobs.
‘It was not a dream job, it was hell’
The girl said she was taken to Oman after being promised a decent salary and respectable work as a house help. However, upon arrival, her passport and documents were allegedly confiscated, and she was treated “like property rather than a human being.”
She alleged that the employers subjected her to repeated mental and physical torture, while any demand for return was met with threats. In several cases, false theft charges were allegedly filed against girls seeking to come back, trapping them in legal battles they could neither understand nor afford.
'Betrayed by a relative'
In a shocking revelation, the victim disclosed that a close relative, already stuck in Oman, played a role in sending her as a “replacement” in exchange for her own release. It was only after learning this truth that the girl gathered courage to inform her family back in Punjab, eventually triggering efforts for her rescue.
Role of MP Sant Seechewal
Rajya Sabha MP Sant Seechewal confirmed that such cases are not isolated. He stated that more than 110 Indian girls have already been rescued from Arab countries with coordinated efforts.
“When these girls ask to return, false cases like theft are registered against them. Poor and uneducated families are unable to fight legal battles abroad, which allows fake agents and traffickers to escape punishment,” Seechewal said.
The survivor issued a stark warning to families across Punjab and India, urging them not to blindly trust overseas job offers, even if they come through relatives.
“I feel like I have returned from hell. We are not treated as humans there. Even if your closest relative asks you to go to an Arab country, do not trust them,” she said.
While one girl has returned safely, the case raises urgent questions about the many others still trapped abroad. Activists and families are now demanding stricter action against fake agents, stronger verification of overseas employment offers, and better diplomatic mechanisms to protect Indian workers.
- PTC NEWS
