The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) revealed that its intervention resulted in the prompt rescue of six Indian workers from Odisha’s Kendrapara district, who were reportedly facing mistreatment while held captive by their employer in Thailand. Following the NHRC’s communication to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on February 20, 2026, four workers were brought back to India the next day, arriving in Kolkata via a flight arranged by their employer from Bangkok. The MEA’s Southern Division is actively working to repatriate the remaining two workers, who are currently dealing with legal issues in Thailand due to visa overstay.
Efforts are underway by the Centre to assist in the repatriation of the two workers facing legal proceedings in Thailand, as confirmed by the NHRC. The Commission had initiated action after coming across a media report on February 20, seeking MEA’s response on supporting the families of the six workers. In response, the MEA’s Southern Division swiftly engaged with Thai authorities to secure the workers’ rescue and also reached out to the company owner where the workers were employed.
Previously, the NHRC had taken suo motu cognisance of a media report highlighting the plight of six Indian workers from Kendrapara district, who were reportedly held captive by their employer near Bangkok for six months without proper wages and sustenance. The workers, who had traveled to Thailand in August the previous year through a labor contractor’s promise of good employment, found themselves compelled to work long hours in a plywood factory without pay or adequate food upon arrival. They had their passports confiscated and sought assistance from Indian authorities for a safe return home.
