18 Indians deceived with false job promises in Libya return home after being stranded in Benghazi

Eighteen Indian nationals who were allegedly lured to Libya with false promises of high-paying jobs have returned to India after being stranded in Benghazi for weeks, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, Tribune India reports.

The workers were reportedly recruited by a Dubai-based Libyan contractor who assured them well-paying employment. Upon their arrival in Libya—without proper visas—they were sent to work at the Libyan Cement Company plant in Benghazi in September. The company is one of Libya’s largest cement manufacturers.

Shortly after starting work, the migrants claim they were subjected to extended working hours and significantly reduced wages. When they protested, tensions escalated into a confrontation with the contractor.

“The contractor flew down from Dubai when he heard this,” said Mithilesh Vishwakarma, one of the workers, in an interview with The Hindu. “He beat two of us black and blue and forced us to work that day.”

Vishwakarma also alleged that their passports were confiscated.

The Indian Embassy in Libya helped facilitate their return, though the process was complicated by their lack of visas.

India has maintained a travel ban to Libya since April 16, 2016, due to escalating violence following the country’s civil war and the assassination of Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.

Indian authorities continue to warn citizens against falling prey to fraudulent overseas job recruiters, who frequently use platforms like WhatsApp, YouTube, and Facebook to lure workers abroad with false promises of lucrative employment.