Sixteen Indian workers say they have been held in “prisonlike conditions” at the Libyan Cement Company’s Benghazi plant for four months, ever since they protested long work hours, erratic pay and the flouting of contractual agreement by their employer.

The Hindy spoke to the workers, who said their travel from India via Dubai was facilitated by a Dubaibased “contractor” Abu Bakkar…

[One worker]…said his trip…was facilitated by Mr. Bakkar…his passport was taken away upon arrival…his passport has not been returned to him since…

The workers with Tabassum Mansoor, a social worker deputed by the Indian Embassy to assist them.

…He noticed a steep pay cut…