Alarming Death Rates Among Indian Workers Abroad: A Five-Year Overview
Tragic Statistics on Indian Workers' Fatalities
A representational picture of migrant workers in Middle East. (Photo:X)
New Delhi, Apr 2: Recent data reveals a troubling trend regarding Indian workers overseas, indicating that more than 20 individuals have died daily on foreign soil over the last five years, predominantly in Gulf countries.
As reported by the Minister of State for External Affairs, Kirti Vardhan Singh, in a written response to the Rajya Sabha on January 29, the total fatalities among Indian workers abroad reached 37,740 from 2021 to 2025. However, specific causes of these deaths were not disclosed.
The year 2021 saw the highest number of fatalities, with 8,234 Indian workers losing their lives internationally.
After a decline to 6,614 deaths in 2022, the numbers have consistently increased, with 7,291 in 2023, 7,747 in 2024, and 7,854 in 2025.
Over 86% of these deaths occurred in Gulf nations, with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia reporting the most significant losses, tallying 12,380 and 11,757 deaths, respectively, during this five-year span. Other countries with notable fatalities include Kuwait (3,890), Oman (2,821), Malaysia (1,915), and Qatar (1,760).
(Graphic: Media House)
During this timeframe, Indian diplomatic missions abroad received a staggering 80,985 complaints related to abuse, exploitation, and workplace issues from Indian nationals.
The UAE had the highest number of these complaints, with 16,965 reported from 2021 to 2025, followed by Kuwait (15,234), Oman (13,295), and Saudi Arabia (12,988).
A report from 2018, based on Right to Information (RTI) responses and Parliamentary records highlighted by the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), indicated that nearly 10 Indian workers died daily in the Gulf region from 2012 to mid-2018.
The CHRI analysis revealed that at least 24,570 Indian workers perished across six Gulf nations—Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE—during that six-and-a-half-year period.
In contrast, the latest government figures indicate that 32,608 Indian workers died in Gulf countries, excluding Bahrain, between 2021 and 2025.
This averages to nearly 18 worker deaths each day in the Gulf region over the past five years.
Outside the Gulf, Malaysia and the Maldives also reported significant labor issues, with 8,333 and 2,981 complaints, respectively.
The Ministry's response highlighted that common challenges faced by Indian laborers abroad include delayed or unpaid salaries and end-of-service benefits.
Other frequent complaints involve unauthorized passport retention by employers, lack of leave, excessive working hours without overtime compensation, and unemployment due to sudden company closures.
Instances of mistreatment, denial of legitimate labor rights, and employers' refusal to issue exit visas for workers wishing to return to India upon contract completion were also noted.
In addressing these issues, Singh emphasized that ensuring the safety and welfare of Indian nationals abroad is a top priority.
Upon receiving reports of Indian nationals in distress, missions and posts promptly engage with local foreign affairs ministries, labor departments, and law enforcement in the host country, the minister stated.
In addition to offering consular support and legal assistance, the Government of India has established comprehensive Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on labor and manpower cooperation with various host nations to protect the interests of Indian workers.
Media House