Indian Expats Face High Risks in Gulf: 3 Deaths Weekly, Data Reveals
Indian Expats Face High Risks in Gulf: 3 Deaths Weekly, Data Reveals
Alarming data shows over 800 Indian expats died in workplace accidents from 2023-25, with Gulf nations accounting for 55% of fatalities. Urgent calls for improved safety!
A disturbing report reveals a grim reality for Indian expatriates working in Gulf countries, with an average of three deaths occurring in workplace accidents every week. Data from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) indicates that over 800 Indian expats lost their lives in such incidents between 2023 and 2025. A staggering 55% of these fatalities were reported in Gulf nations, highlighting the perilous conditions many migrant workers face.
The recent Qatar blast, which tragically killed 12 Indians last month, has reignited urgent calls for stricter scrutiny of workplace safety standards and accountability for lapses. Saudi Arabia recorded the highest number of Indian worker deaths, with 182 fatalities over the three-year period, averaging more than one death per week. The UAE followed with 128 recorded deaths.
Beyond accidental deaths, Gulf nations also reported a majority of suicides among Indian workers during this period, underscoring the immense challenges and pressures faced by this demographic. The Telangana NRI Migrants’ Association has pointed to multiple contributing factors behind these recurring tragedies. These include insufficient use of safety equipment, poor adherence to workplace safety protocols, technical malfunctions at industrial sites, and a lack of adequate skill and safety training for workers.
A significant environmental factor also contributes to the health risks. Many workers endure extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 45 degrees Celsius, only to return to air-conditioned accommodations cooled to around 20 degrees Celsius. These drastic temperature fluctuations of 20-25 degrees Celsius are believed to lead to serious health complications.
The majority of Indians in the Gulf are employed in sectors with inherently high occupational risks, such as construction, retail, warehouses, and automobiles. While workers are sometimes cited for neglecting their own safety by not wearing protective gear, the underlying systemic issues regarding safety enforcement and employer responsibility remain critical.
To enhance women's safety, the MEA has also authorized only state-run agencies to recruit female workers holding ECR passports for Gulf employment through the e-Migrate portal. This measure aims to provide a layer of protection, though the broader issues of workplace safety for all genders continue to demand attention and reform.
