In a tragic incident on Wednesday, a devastating fire claimed the lives of nearly 40 Indian nationals among the 49 foreign workers in Kuwait.

The Gulf region stands as a vital hub, hosting over 8.7 million Indian residents, with the largest concentration in the United Arab Emirates, where approximately 3.5 million Indians reside. Over the past decade, more than 63,000 Indian migrant workers have met their demise in the six Gulf nations, with over 29,000 fatalities occurring in the last four years alone.

Indian Worker Population in the Gulf:

As per data presented during a session of the Lok Sabha on December 9, 2022, the total Indian population in Gulf countries stands at 8,751,086. Among these, the UAE accounts for the largest share, with 3,554,274 Indians, followed by Saudi Arabia with 2,465,464. Qatar hosts 844,499 Indian nationals, while Kuwait and Oman have 924,687 and 653,500 respectively. Bahrain has the lowest Indian population, numbering 308,662.

The influx of Indian workers to the Gulf surged following the oil boom of the 1970s, a trend sustained by the region’s economic expansion. The preference for South Asian labor, known for its willingness to undertake low-paying, low-skilled jobs, further fueled this migration.

Presently, 70% of Indian workers are employed as laborers or technicians in the construction sector, or in roles such as domestic helpers and drivers. However, there’s been a noticeable uptick in the migration of skilled and highly skilled Indian professionals over the past decade.

Challenges Faced by Indian Workers:

Indian expatriates in the Gulf grapple with numerous challenges, including unpaid wages, denial of labor rights and benefits, and delays in renewing residence permits. Additionally, issues such as inadequate rest days, extended work hours, and instances of confinement exacerbate their plight. Many find themselves stranded due to difficulties obtaining exit or re-entry permits for visits to India.

Mortality Rate of Indian Workers in the Gulf:

Between 2014 and 2023, a staggering 63,211 Indian migrant workers lost their lives in accidents. The highest fatalities were recorded in 2020, with 8,804 deaths, followed by 2021 with 7,928, and 6,692 in 2023. In 2022, the death toll stood at 6,159, while in 2018 and 2016, it was 6,014 and 6,013 respectively.

In 2015, 5,786 Indian workers perished, while in 2017 the toll was 5,604, and in 2014 it stood at 5,388. The year 2019 saw 4,823 fatalities.

According to data from the Lok Sabha session, over the past four years, Saudi Arabia recorded the highest number of casualties, with 10,922 deaths. The death tolls in the UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Qatar were 9,509, 3,919, 2,498, and 1,523 respectively. Bahrain reported the lowest number of fatalities, with 1,212 Indian workers losing their lives.