As the case proceeds, it is likely to draw attention from civil-society and migrant-rights organisations concerned with the safety of Indian workers abroad
The Delhi High Court has directed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Consulate General of India in Dubai to take urgent action to ensure the safety and repatriation of a 25-year-old Indian woman allegedly held captive and abused in Dubai by a foreign national. The order came on December 1, 2025, after the woman’s father, V. Thirunavukkarasu, filed a petition seeking immediate intervention.
According to the petition, the woman travelled to Dubai in January 2023 after receiving a job offer as a medical assistant from a foreign national she had met while working at a Chennai hospital. Over time, her passport and visa were allegedly taken away, leaving her unable to communicate freely with her family. In October, she reportedly managed to place a brief distress call to her father describing physical abuse, denial of food and essential needs, and restrictions on movement.
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Despite the father’s earlier request to authorities on November 15, little progress was made, prompting him to approach the High Court
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The petition describes the woman’s condition as one of illegal confinement and severe violation of fundamental rights
Justice Sachin Datta, acknowledging the gravity of the allegations, instructed the MEA and consulate officials to verify her situation urgently, ensure her safety and facilitate her return to India if she wishes. The Court also directed authorities to file a detailed status report by December 15, the next hearing date.
Legal experts note that the Court’s strong directives reaffirm the responsibility of Indian diplomatic missions to protect citizens facing threats or abuse abroad. The case highlights vulnerabilities associated with overseas job offers, especially when handled through informal channels without proper background checks.
Human-rights observers say the situation also resembles patterns seen in cases of labour exploitation or coercion, where confiscation of passports is a key warning sign. The ruling may lead to greater scrutiny of private overseas recruitment practices and stronger monitoring of employment offers extended to Indian citizens.
For the family, the Court’s intervention offers renewed hope. The father has expressed concern over his daughter’s safety, citing months of unreturned calls and vague communication. The MEA is now expected to coordinate with Dubai authorities, humanitarian groups or local law-enforcement agencies to verify her condition and facilitate rescue measures.
