Indian Expats Held in Forced Labour in Ajman; Ransom Demanded
Two Indian nationals are being held in forced labour in Ajman after being lured by fake job offers. A ransom of AED 6,000 per person has been demanded.
Two Indian nationals are currently trapped in a harrowing situation in Ajman, United Arab Emirates, after being lured to the country under the guise of legitimate employment opportunities.
The victims, who arrived expecting a better future, are now facing a nightmare of exploitation. Their employers have reportedly confiscated their passports and are holding them against their will, coercing them into forced labour. To secure their release, the captors are demanding a ransom of AED 6,000 per person—an amount equivalent to approximately INR 1.35 lakh.
A Desperate Plea for Help
The crisis was brought to light on November 1, 2026, through an urgent appeal posted on X (formerly Twitter) by Imtiyaz Ali. The post sparked immediate concern, prompting an intervention by the Dubai Police. Following their initial involvement, the matter was redirected to the Ajman Police to facilitate the necessary rescue operations and provide assistance to the victims.
The Growing Threat of Recruitment Scams
This incident highlights a persistent and dangerous trend of recruitment scams targeting Indian expatriates traveling to the Gulf. With more than 4 million Indians currently residing in the UAE, many individuals from states such as Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, and Kerala fall prey to unscrupulous employment agents.
These workers often pay significant sums to secure visas, only to face severe exploitation upon arrival, including:
- Illegal seizure of travel documents (passports).
- Withheld salaries and unpaid wages.
- Extreme working conditions, sometimes involving 16-hour workdays.
Similar patterns of exploitation involving workers from Rajasthan and Jharkhand were also documented earlier in 2026, suggesting a systemic issue within certain recruitment channels.
Official Warnings for Indian Citizens
In light of these recurring cases, the Indian Embassy and Consulate in the UAE have issued consistent warnings to Indian citizens. Authorities strongly advise against arriving on visit visas for the purpose of seeking employment.
Instead, citizens are urged to:
- Use only official and registered recruitment channels.
- Verify the legitimacy of employers before traveling.
- Avoid paying large upfront fees to unverified agents.
As the investigation continues, local community associations and authorities are being called upon to provide urgent consular assistance to ensure the safe release and repatriation of the two victims.