Ropar: Eight young men from Punjab, primarily from Ropar district, have found themselves stranded in Kazakhstan, allegedly victims of a travel scam that promised them lucrative employment abroad. Instead, they are being forced to endure harsh working conditions in freezing, remote areas, performing grueling labor under inhumane circumstances.
The distressing situation came to light when one of the victims, Harvinder Singh from Nangal, made an emotional call to BJP district president Ajayvir Singh Lalpura. In the phone call, Harvinder described the severe hardships endured by himself and his companions, including freezing temperatures, hunger, and physical abuse. He also revealed that they had been coerced into carrying heavy loads across mountainous terrain in snow-covered conditions, while being confined to cramped metal containers with little access to food, water, or proper safety measures.
The ordeal was further exposed when a video, showing the stranded youths working in hazardous conditions in Kazakhstan’s snow-covered areas, went viral on social media. The footage has sparked widespread outrage and brought attention to the exploitation of these young men, who were reportedly promised stable driver jobs with good living conditions by a local travel agent. Instead, they found themselves trapped in forced labor under appalling conditions.
The victims, who include Manjit Singh, Amarjit Singh, Hardeep Singh, Avtar Singh, and Harvinder Singh, have alleged that a local agent from Punjab lured them with false promises of high-paying jobs and comfortable living arrangements abroad. Instead, they were deceived and left in an exploitative situation, with no way to return home.
Ajayvir Singh Lalpura, who has been advocating for the victims’ safe return, expressed deep concern over the plight of the youth. “It is heartbreaking to hear that these young men, from the land of Anandpur Sahib—symbolic of courage and sacrifice—are being treated in such an inhumane manner. They are living in tiny containers, deprived of basic necessities, and subjected to exploitation in a foreign land,” Lalpura said. “I will immediately raise this issue with central authorities to ensure their safe and swift return.”
The parents of the affected youth, in an emotional plea, have also met with Punjab’s Education Minister, Harjot Singh Bains, urging the state government to take immediate action. According to sources, the parents are desperate for intervention and are demanding the government’s assistance in rescuing their children from this dire situation.
This incident highlights the increasing dangers faced by individuals seeking overseas employment opportunities, particularly those falling prey to fraudulent travel agents. Many young people from Punjab, lured by promises of better jobs and better living standards abroad, end up in exploitative situations, often without legal recourse or means to escape.
While authorities in Punjab and Kazakhstan work to address the issue, the heartbreaking story of these eight young men has once again raised questions about the need for stricter regulation of overseas recruitment and the protection of migrant workers from unscrupulous agents and employers.
As their families anxiously wait for their safe return, the case serves as a stark reminder of the risks involved in international employment scams and the urgent need for increased vigilance and support for vulnerable workers seeking opportunities abroad.
