Indian Consulate in Dubai helps stranded domestic worker reunite with family after years apart
An Indian mother of three has returned to India after a Facebook video plea prompted intervention by the Indian Consulate in Dubai, ending years of separation from her family.
Hasta Mahananda, a native of Odisha, had been working in the United Arab Emirates since 2019. According to the Indian Consulate in Dubai, she visited India once before returning to the UAE in 2022, after which she was allegedly unable to travel home again.
With no access to her passport and no contact with her family for more than three years, Mahananda recorded a video on Facebook appealing for help. The video eventually reached officials at the Indian Consulate, who launched efforts to locate and assist her.
Meanwhile, her family in Odisha had been seeking support from authorities. Their concerns eventually led to a petition before the Odisha High Court, which formally requested the Indian Mission in the UAE to intervene in the matter.
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Consular officials began tracing her identity through available records. After reviewing passport and visa information and contacting relevant parties linked to her sponsorship, they successfully located her
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On May 12, she was brought to the Consulate General’s office in Dubai by a company representative
The consulate subsequently reviewed her documents, cancelled her visa and labour contract, and arranged accommodation and meals for around two weeks while her case was processed.
In a video shared after her release, Mahananda expressed relief at finally being able to return home. She said she had been deeply worried about her three daughters, who are studying in India.
The Indian Consulate confirmed that her employer settled all outstanding salary payments and end-of-service benefits following its intervention. Her flight ticket to India was funded through the Indian Community Welfare Fund, which provides assistance to distressed Indian nationals overseas.
The consulate said the successful repatriation highlights its continued commitment to the welfare and protection of Indian citizens living abroad.
