MUZAFFARPUR, BIHAR – A man from Bihar has returned to India after an distressing four-month ordeal in Senegal, where he alleges he was subjected to exploitative working conditions and had his travel documents seized. Umashankar Kumar, a resident of Kothiyan village in Muzaffarpur's Kudhani block, was reunited with his family on Monday after the intervention of Indian authorities.
Promise of ₹60,000 Salary Leads to Ordeal
Driven by financial difficulties, particularly the need to fund his daughter's marriage, Umashankar Kumar accepted a job offer in Senegal, reportedly facilitated by an acquaintance. He was promised a monthly salary of ₹60,000. He arrived in Dakar on May 17, 2026, and began working at a company's hatchery two days later.
However, Kumar quickly discovered the reality was far from the promise. He claims he was made to sign an agreement for a monthly salary of just ₹30,000 – half of what he was initially offered. Adding to his distress, his passport and visa were allegedly confiscated by the company shortly after he started work.
Long Hours, Deteriorating Health, and Mental Stress
Umashankar Kumar reported working approximately 12 hours daily under demanding conditions. His health deteriorated during his stay, yet he felt pressured to continue working. Being alone in a foreign country without his official documents, he faced immense difficulties. He eventually ran out of money and struggled to even secure food, leading to severe mental stress and fears he might never return home.
MEA and Indian Embassy Intervene
With his passport held by the company and his funds depleted, Kumar sought help. Information about his dire situation eventually reached the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Embassy in Senegal. The embassy reportedly summoned the company owner for a four-hour hearing, where Kumar was also present.
Following the embassy's intervention, the company owner returned Kumar's passport, and arrangements were made for his return ticket to India. He expressed gratitude to Union Minister Dr. Rajbhushan Choudhary and Tourism Minister Kedar Prasad Gupta for their initiative in facilitating his return.
Emotional Homecoming to Muzaffarpur
Umashankar Kumar landed at Delhi Airport on Sunday and subsequently took a special train to Muzaffarpur, arriving at his village late Monday evening. His return brought an emotional reunion with his wife, Chandni Devi, and their children, who had been anxiously awaiting his arrival for months.
Reflecting on his experience, Kumar stated, "I had given up hope of returning to India." He affirmed that he would never forget his four months in Senegal and now has no desire to work abroad again after his harrowing ordeal.