On September 4, 2026, a woman from the Kallakurichi district of Tamil Nadu, identified as Vanitha, issued a video appeal for assistance to return to India from Kuwait. Vanitha, who traveled to Kuwait for domestic work several months ago, alleges that she has not received her salary for the past two months and has been subjected to ongoing physical and mental abuse. Here are the key details of this case: Vanitha appealed for help to return from Kuwait, she alleges non-payment of salary for two months, and police and authorities are working on her rescue.
Kallakurichi Superintendent of Police Shahnaz confirmed to NDTV that the police have identified the woman and located her family.
The authorities have received a formal complaint from the family and are facilitating communication with relevant officials to initiate the rescue and repatriation process. Vanitha is a mother of two, and
her family has alleged that an agent provided them with false information regarding the job placement.
This incident highlights the challenges faced by domestic workers in Kuwait, where approximately 10 lakh Indians reside.
The Embassy of India in Kuwait maintains a Labour Wing to address grievances related to employment, immigration, salary, abuse, and sponsor disputes. The Embassy advises that grievances can be registered via the MADAD portal, which allows the Ministry of External Affairs to formally track and follow up on complaints. For emergency assistance, the Embassy provides a 24/7 contact number at +965-22562151, in addition to regular helpline extensions at 22530600 and 22530612. Official guidance underscores that domestic workers under Visa Article 20 must possess a labor contract in a prescribed format.
The Embassy mandates that recruitment must occur through registered recruiting agents, warning against the use of unauthorized sub-agents. Workers are advised to verify details such as salary, job type, and living arrangements in their contracts before travel, and to ensure their visa category aligns with their actual employment. Furthermore, specific regulations exist regarding emigration clearance for ECR category female workers under the age of 30, restricting certain job categories. While Vanitha's exact age remains unconfirmed in reports,
authorities continue to monitor the situation as the rescue efforts proceed.
