17 Migrant Workers from Jharkhand Return Safely from Cameroon After Wage Crisis, 2 More to Arrive Soon
Bokaro/Hazaribagh: Seventeen of the 19 migrant workers from Jharkhand, stranded in Cameroon, Africa, have finally returned home, ending months of hardship. The rescue followed quick government action after a desperate social media appeal went viral.
The workers, employed by Transrail Lighting Limited, had gone without wages—some for four months, others for two. With no money for food or essentials, they released a video pleading for help. Their plight drew the attention of social worker Sikandar Ali, the media, and the state government, which intervened to bring them back.
Grateful families thanked the government, media, and Ali for their timely support. “Lakhs of people migrate abroad for survival. But many face exploitation and distress. The government must ensure stronger protections for them,” Ali stressed.
The returnees include Aghanu Soren, Ashok Soren, Chetlal Soren, Mahesh Marandi, Ramji Marandi, Lalchand Murmu, Budhan Murmu, Jibalal Manjhi, Chotan Baske, and Rajendra Kisku from Hazaribagh, along with Prem Tudu, Sibon Tudu, Somar Besra, Purana Tudu, Ramji Hansda, Virwa Hansda, and Mahendra Hansda from Bokaro.
Two workers—Phoolchand Murmu of Vishnugarh (Hazaribagh) and Bablu Soren of Nawadih (Bokaro)—are expected to return on August 26.
This incident highlights the growing concerns of migrant worker safety abroad and the urgent need for policy-level interventions.
