The West Bengal government has sought the repatriation of 11 migrant workers from Murshidabad allegedly stranded in Oman, Trinamool Congress MP and chairperson of the West Bengal Migrant Welfare Board Samirul Islam told The Hindu on Saturday (October 18, 2025).
“These 11 people had gone to Oman around 10 to 11 months back, based on certain employment agreements through an agency. However, after they went to Oman, the recruiting agency did not keep their word and these workers stopped receiving salaries for the last 9 months. Soon enough they were left stranded and were wandering without recourse,” Mr Islam said.
The names of the stranded migrants are Sunil Das, Mustafa Seikh, Kesabur Sk, Goule Seikh, Gobinda Murmu, Dhiren Baski, Asraf Sk, Khairul Sk, Surin Murmu, Som Murmu and Chhota Murmu. He added that the West Bengal government was notified by their families through local Trinamool leadership and Murshidabad district administration around the end of September.
“After that we immediately notified the Indian Embassy at Oman through the External Affairs Ministry’s Madad portal and carried out consistent follow ups through our resident commissioner. Meanwhile the State provided all kinds of support and assistance to their families. The migrants have currently been traced, and are now under the care of the Embassy. They have also been provided with food and shelter,” the MP said.
On Saturday (October 18), the Trinamool Congress also took to social media seeking the swift intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs for the migrant’s repatriation.
This comes months after Bengali migrant workers were being harassed and/or detained in different parts of the country on suspicions of being Bangladeshi nationals. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in August this year had announced a new Shramashree scheme to provide monthly cash incentives to migrant workers who return to the State.
Published – October 19, 2025 01:38 am IST
