Financial woes leave migrant workers stranded

High cost of travelling forces so called 'pardesis' to continue working, far from kith and kin

KARACHI:

Scores of migrant workers, due to economic problems and low income, could not travel to their native areas this year to celebrate Eid with their loved ones, labourers sitting on the roadside in Gizri told The Express Tribune during a survey.

Labourers, like mason, carpenter and painter, sit with the tools of their trade, along Gizri Avenue, a hub of paint, hardware, electrical and plumbing wares.

Many workers said they will spend the Eid days relaxing in rented communal houses or camps. Many migrant workers will try to save enough money so that they can celebrate Eid-ul-Adha with their families in their native areas.

Riaz Malik, a labourer residing in Musa Colony, shared that he works as a mason on a daily wage basis and has been living in Karachi for the past ten years to support his family. Every year, he used to travel to his hometown in Multan, to celebrate Eid. However, this time, work opportunities during Ramazan were reduced by almost 40 percent. The Rs10,000 he had saved were sent home so that his parents, wife, and two children could buy Eid clothes. Now, he does not have the financial means to afford a round-trip fare, along with additional expenses, to visit home. Therefore, he will celebrate Eid in Karachi with two of his fellow workers. He expressed his disappointment, saying, "Eid is not the same for us. Eid is meant to be celebrated with family."

Rozi Khan, a worker at a tea stall in Keamari, stated that his hometown is Pishin, Balochistan. He has three children, a wife, and parents. He explained that he works as a tea maker at a hotel, and during Ramazan, his working hours were eight hours a day, earning a daily wage of Rs1,000. He sent Rs15,000 home and now does not have enough money to travel to Pishin. "Our Eid will be spent working at the hotel. Wages are doubled during Eid holidays, and we also receive extra pay for additional work. I will try to visit home for Eid-ul-Adha," he said.

Attaullah, a shoemaker in Liaquatabad, shared that he hailed from Bajaur. He has five children, a wife, and parents. Economic struggles and limited income have added to the difficulties of migrant labourers. Those working in Karachi have to bear the costs of accommodation, food, laundry, and other expenses. Whatever money is left, they save and send home. He mentioned that over the past four months, he managed to send home Rs20,000, which allowed his family to make minimal Eid purchases. However, now, he cannot afford to travel back to his hometown. "Travel fares are expensive during Eid, and in addition to that, I would need at least Rs20,000 to Rs30,000 to spend the holidays at home in order to meet expenses.