“I still remember the day I left my hometown, Jagityal, to work in the Gulf. I was full of hope, thinking it would be a dream come true. For many, the Gulf represents opportunity and prosperity. But for some, like me, it turned into a nightmare.

As a migrant worker, I faced exploitation, abuse, and shattered dreams. I worked multiple jobs—driver, painter, and more—in Saudi Arabia, Dubai, and Bahrain. What I encountered was a harsh reality. Migrant workers like me were often treated like machines, exploited, and abused. I saw friends and colleagues broken, their dreams shattered.

The memories still haunt me—the long hours, the meager pay, the humiliation. But they also fuel my fight for justice. When I returned to India in 2004, I knew I had to do something. In 2009, I started the Gulf Returning Members Welfare Society, driven by the pain and injustice I witnessed.

We’ve fought tirelessly for migrant rights, exposing visa scams, securing fair compensation, and advocating for dignity. But the struggle continues. Visa agents still prey on vulnerable workers, charging exorbitant fees. It’s a never-ending battle, but I won’t give up.

We need to hold our leaders accountable, demand better working conditions, and protect our workers from exploitation. We owe it to them, to their families, and to our conscience.”

• Chand Pasha Sheik, Migrant rights activist