GlobalWorkforce – Rising Death Toll Highlights Risks for Indians Working Abroad

GlobalWorkforce – India is witnessing a troubling trend involving its citizens employed overseas, with official figures indicating that more than 20 Indian workers have died each day abroad over the past five years. The data, presented in Parliament earlier this year, underscores the growing risks faced by migrant workers, particularly in Gulf countries where a majority of these fatalities have been recorded.

Government Data Reveals Scale of Worker Fatalities

According to information shared by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in the Rajya Sabha, a total of 37,740 Indian workers lost their lives abroad between 2021 and 2025. While the figures provide a comprehensive count, they do not specify the exact causes of these deaths.

The year 2021 recorded the highest number of fatalities at 8,234. This was followed by a decline to 6,614 in 2022. However, the numbers began rising again, reaching 7,291 in 2023, 7,747 in 2024, and 7,854 in 2025, indicating a steady upward trend in recent years.

Gulf Region Accounts for Majority of Deaths

A significant portion of these deaths occurred in Gulf nations, which together accounted for over 86 percent of the total fatalities. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia reported the highest numbers, with 12,380 and 11,757 deaths respectively during the five-year period.

Other countries in the region also reported notable figures, including Kuwait with 3,890 deaths, Oman with 2,821, and Qatar with 1,760. Malaysia, though outside the Gulf, recorded 1,915 deaths, reflecting broader concerns beyond West Asia.

Complaints of Exploitation and Workplace Issues Rise

Alongside fatalities, Indian missions abroad received 80,985 complaints related to abuse, exploitation, and workplace grievances during the same period. The UAE recorded the highest number of complaints at 16,965, followed by Kuwait with 15,234, Oman with 13,295, and Saudi Arabia with 12,988.

The number of grievances has risen sharply in recent years. Complaints increased from 11,632 in 2021 to 16,263 in 2024, eventually peaking at 22,479 in 2025. This surge highlights growing dissatisfaction and challenges faced by Indian workers overseas.

Southeast Asia Reports High Complaints Despite Fewer Deaths

Interestingly, several Southeast Asian countries reported a high number of complaints despite relatively low death counts. Myanmar, for example, recorded no deaths over five years but logged 2,548 complaints, with a sharp spike in 2025 alone.

Cambodia reported 31 deaths alongside 2,531 complaints, while Laos saw 11 deaths and 2,416 complaints. Malaysia and the Maldives also registered significant grievance numbers, with 8,333 and 2,981 complaints respectively.

Longstanding Concerns Over Worker Safety

Earlier findings had already pointed to serious concerns. A 2018 analysis based on official records revealed that nearly 10 Indian workers were dying daily in Gulf countries between 2012 and mid-2018. During that period, over 24,500 deaths were recorded across six Gulf nations.

In comparison, recent data suggests that 32,608 Indian workers died in Gulf countries between 2021 and 2025 alone, indicating a substantial increase in fatalities over time.

Common Issues Faced by Workers Abroad

The Ministry of External Affairs identified several recurring problems reported by Indian workers. These include delayed or unpaid wages, withholding of passports by employers, excessive working hours without overtime pay, and denial of leave.

Additional concerns involve sudden job losses due to company closures, poor treatment at workplaces, and denial of basic labour rights. In some cases, workers have also faced difficulties in returning to India due to employers refusing to grant exit permits after contract completion.

Government Measures and Support Systems

In response to these challenges, the government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety of Indian nationals abroad. Indian missions actively intervene when workers report distress, coordinating with local authorities, labour departments, and law enforcement agencies in host countries.

The government has also signed labour and manpower agreements with several countries to strengthen protections for Indian workers. These agreements aim to improve working conditions and ensure that workers’ rights are upheld.

Despite these efforts, the data highlights the urgent need for continued monitoring, stronger enforcement of labour protections, and better support mechanisms for Indian workers overseas.