15-hour workdays, 4 months without pay: Hyderabad woman seeks rescue from Oman

Shabnam Begum from Hyderabad has sought help from the Indian Embassy in Muscat after alleging abuse by her employer in Oman. Her family has sought her safe return and action against the agent who allegedly sent her on false promises.

In Short

• Woman from Hyderabad exploited in Oman as housemaid
• Promised 200 Omani Riyals monthly by local agent
• Forced to work 12-15 hours daily without salary

A woman from Hyderabad's Pahadi Shareef has sought assistance from the Embassy of India in Muscat after alleging that she was exploited by her employer in Oman, where she had travelled for a housemaid job.

According to the appeal, Shabnam Begum travelled to Muscat, Oman, on March 26, 2026, after a local recruitment agent allegedly promised her employment as a housemaid with a monthly salary of 200 Omani Riyals.

The appeal alleges that after reaching Oman, her employer forced her to work in multiple households for 12 to 15 hours a day. It further claims that she was denied adequate food and accommodation and did not receive any salary for four months.

Unable to bear the alleged abuse, Shabnam Begum reportedly escaped from her employer and is currently staying at the Embassy of India in Muscat while seeking assistance.

Her family has appealed to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar to direct the Indian Embassy in Muscat to ensure her safety and facilitate her immediate return to Hyderabad.

The family has also urged the authorities to take action against the recruitment agent who allegedly sent her to Oman on false promises.

- Ends