Eleven Indian citizens were rescued from a scam center in Myanmar on Friday, thanks to the efforts of local authorities and the Indian embassy. The embassy announced on social media that it was working to ensure their safe return and repatriation to India. This rescue comes just days after Italian police freed 33 Indian farm laborers from slave-like working conditions, highlighting a concerning trend of exploitation targeting Indian nationals.
According to a Reuters report, the Italian police apprehended alleged gang-masters, also Indian nationals, who lured fellow citizens to Italy with promises of a better life and seasonal work permits. These individuals were forced to pay 17,000 euros each for the opportunity, only to find themselves trapped in grueling farm jobs. They were required to work seven days a week, for 10-12 hours a day, earning a meager 4 euros per hour, which was entirely deducted to offset their initial debts. The police characterized this treatment as “slavery,” noting that some laborers were forced to work for free to pay an additional 13,000 euros for a permanent work permit, a promise that would never have been fulfilled.
Meanwhile, concerns have arisen for Indians residing in Bangladesh, where violent protests have erupted. India has officially classified the situation as an “internal matter” for Bangladesh, but has assured its citizens of their safety. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar confirmed that all Indian nationals in Bangladesh are safe, and officials have issued a travel advisory, urging citizens to stay in contact with the High Commission and to utilize activated helpline numbers for assistance.
