Muscat: The Indian Embassy in Muscat has rescued a housemaid from her sponsor who has allegedly been ill-treating her.
The housemaid, Saifya Moideen Kunju, was also not being paid her salary by her sponsor, who works as a teacher in a government school.
The issue came to light when Saifya’s husband Moideen Kunju called social worker P.M. Jabir from his hometown in Kerala, India, complaining about the ill-treatment meted out to his wife.
“After repeated calls, I took up the matter with A. Banerjee, second secretary at the Indian embassy,” Jabir told Gulf News.
A. Girish, Indian Embassy lawyer, contacted Saifya’s sponsor on the phone and urged him to allow her to return home.
“The sponsor refused to relent and continued to beat her,” Jabir said.
Later, Ravi, embassy’s honorary counsellor agent in Ibri, visited Saifya’s sponsor’s house, which is located some 90km off Ibri town, with the help of the Royal Oman Police.
"The maid was taken to a hospital where the authorities confirmed that Saifya was beaten up,” Jabir said.
According to Jabir, the sponsor initially refused to pay the ticket or dues to the maid. However, he relented when threatened that the matter would be taken to the Human Rights Commission in the country.
“The maid is now at a ‘safe house and will be repatriated soon,” said Jabir, who is a Welfare Secretary with the Indian Social Club.
The sponsor was not available for his comments.
