In a disturbing development recently a norm, young girls from Hyderabad are being married to rich men from various Gulf countries. Mostly, it is done on the net where poor families are lulled with financial security in enticing ways that lead them to agree to a marriage which may not be in the best interest of their daughter. Being an “open secret” in Hyderabad for years, the practice remains hard to check by the authorities since the brokers co-ordinate video-conference weddings.
As many as 20 to 30 such marriages are taking place each month, in which young girls from Hyderabad are being married to rich men from Gulf nations, such as Oman, Qatar, and Bahrain. These grooms usually promise huge money in exchange for marrying these young brides. The majority of these girls get exploited and abused once they reach the Gulf states. According to reports, after marriage brides are sent to their husbands on tourist visas. So they become victims of ill-treatment.
Things went downhill further with the crackdowns in 2018 forcing the practice to go online. Marriages are now being performed quite regularly on WhatsApp or video calls making it difficult for authorities to pinpoint these transactions. Brokers have the most critical role to play in furthering these marriages – the role they play in circulating pictures of young women and in conducting nikah ceremonies via video conference from the back of SUVs.
Young girls from Hyderabad being married to rich men from Gulf countries to support their poor families
Then there’s the case of 22-year-old Fathima, who agreed to marry an older man to support her sick grandmother and fund her sister’s education. She was promised Rs 2 lakh but left waiting for another proposal when the deal fell through. Another example: Suhana, taken to the Gulf only to be employed as domestic help for Rs 5,000, against promises of much more money.
The process also became a web of exploitation through brokers and visa agents. This process is still in motion, though all means are being taken to bar the commercial activity legally. Now, the local authorities are asking the members to take action by demanding strict monitoring of these brokers and agents. It would be worthwhile to discuss the fate of young girls from Hyderabad who are married off to rich men from countries in the Gulf. This again represents a plaguing trend that needs action right away to protect vulnerable people.
Also, see: Sale of Punjabi girls to Gulf countries spark nationwide outrage
