Two Punjabi women stranded in Oman return home after intervention by Sant Seechewal
Babushahi Bureau
Sultanpur Lodhi (Kapurthala), October 3, 2026:Two Punjabi women from Jalandhar and Kapurthala districts, who were allegedly stranded and subjected to exploitation in Oman after being promised jobs, have returned safely to India following intervention by Rajya Sabha MP Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal.
According to their families, the women were taken to Oman through intermediaries on the promise of employment but allegedly faced threats, physical and mental harassment and demands for money after reaching the country. The families have also approached the police in connection with the cases.
The women told their families that they had travelled to Oman through Mumbai airport.
In the Jalandhar case, the family alleged that their daughter was sent to Muscat with the promise of a job at a beauty parlour and a monthly salary of around Rs 35,000. However, after reaching Oman, she was allegedly pressured to engage in activities other than the promised work.
When she resisted, the family alleged that she was beaten and mentally harassed. Her passport was also allegedly taken away and she was threatened.
The family said they approached Sant Seechewal's office on July 1 seeking help for her return. Following efforts by his office, the woman returned to India on September 7.
In the second case, the family from Kapurthala district alleged that their daughter had gone to Oman for domestic work through a woman from their village. According to the family, she initially worked there for around two months, after which her health deteriorated and she allegedly did not receive proper medical treatment or medicines.
The family further alleged that they were asked to pay Rs 1 lakh for her return to India and were threatened that she would not be sent back without the money. The family claimed that they mortgaged their house and property to arrange the amount and paid it to the concerned persons, but were subsequently asked for more money.
The family also alleged that they were pressured to send more girls to Oman.
The family approached Sant Seechewal on August 11 seeking assistance. The woman subsequently returned safely to India on August 23.
Seechewal raises concern over overseas job exploitation
Speaking to reporters, Sant Balbir Singh Seechewal said cases involving alleged human trafficking and exploitation under the guise of overseas employment were a serious concern.
He urged governments to take prompt action in such cases and advised people to verify overseas employment agents, visas, jobs and workplaces before sending family members abroad.
“Girls go abroad in the hope of building a better future, but when they face deception, torture or exploitation, it is not just the pain of one family but a concern for society as a whole,” he said.
Around 190 women brought back, claims Seechewal
According to information shared by Seechewal, his intervention has so far helped bring around 190 women stranded or facing exploitation in different countries back to India.
The cases highlight concerns over the risks faced by people, particularly women, who travel abroad through intermediaries with promises of employment.