Mandha Bheem Reddy

DTP alumnus Bheem Reddy Mandha is a former journalist and life insurance agent who has turned into a dedicated migrant workers’ rights advocate, focusing on migrants to the Persian Gulf (Gulf). In the Indian state of Telangana, Reddy has become a household name to many for his role in helping out “trapped” Indian migrants in the Gulf.

Millions of Indians workers in the countries of the Gulf and human rights organisations have raised concerns about forced labour, modern slavery, poor conditions of work, detentions, torture, and the deaths of migrant workers. Reddy witnessed and heard of these abuses as a migrant worker himself – working as an insurance consultant in the Gulf. This is what has driven his work for migrants.

Bheem Reddy, who attended a phone call from a local Member of Parliament during this interview, said his organisation files public interest litigations in the Supreme Court, High Court, Human Rights Commission, Women’s Commission, and Consumer Forum to address migrants’ rights related issues.

He emphasised that his work extends beyond advocacy to a comprehensive 360-degree approach that includes promoting safe migration practices, supporting the reintegration of returnee migrants into Indian society, advocating for migrants’ children’s education and healthcare, and campaigning for best practices related to migration.

Bheem Reddy said DTP played a key role in his journey.

“DTP training provided a platform where I realized the power of informed advocacy. The knowledge I gained was not just theoretical; it was practical. The training enabled me to implement new strategies in my own work. I was able to learn the intricacies of policy advocacy, how to frame issues for public engagement, and the role of international human rights bodies in supporting grassroots movements.”

Bheem Reddy said DTP training was useful to decipher the layers of power politics that shape migrants’ experience too.

“The training was an eye opener in the sense that it encouraged us to think critically about the power structures that influence policies and governance. It gave me a broader understanding of the challenges faced by migrants and vulnerable communities.”

Bheem Reddy worked as a journalist from 1986 to 1996 in his home town Jagtial in Telangana state. During this period, through his reporting he brought to light the hardships faced by Indian migrants in the Gulf, including exploitation, lack of legal protections, and difficulties in accessing justice.

His own migration journey (as an insurance consultant at Dubai, UAE from 1997 to 2000) further shaped his advocacy, as he experienced firsthand the vulnerabilities migrant workers endure there. Upon returning to India, and recognising the absence of specialised organisations for Gulf migrants, Bheem Reddy joined as Vice President of the Migrants Rights Council (MRC), which was established by Narayana Swami Pusuluri. Later he founded the Emigrants Welfare Forum, an organisation dedicated exclusively to addressing the challenges faced by Indian workers in the Gulf.

A key strength of the migrant workers movements in the Gulf and in Asia is the role played by migrants themselves – in establishing organisations to challenge the injustice they have witnessed and sometimes experienced directly. Their commitment and dedication to work for the rights of others is inspiring.

Bheem Reddy has been actively involved in the Emigrants Welfare Forum and is a member of DTP partner network, Migrant Forum in Asia (MFA), where he collaborates with regional and international networks to push for policy reforms and greater protections for migrant workers.

Bheem Reddy shared the following news with DTP:

In September 2020, the overseas employment division of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Govt of India issued two circulars fixing the reduced MRWs [minimum referral wage] thus: Bahrain, Oman, Qatar and the UAE at $200 per month, Saudi Arabia at $324 and Kuwait at $245 in the case of work-visa holders and $196 for domestic workers. Implemented across all skill levels and occupations, the reduction in MRW ranged between 30% and 50%.

Bheem Reddy Mandha, President of The Emigrants Welfare Forum filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Telangana High Court in this regard and got favorable order.