Over 20 Indian workers died abroad daily in last 5 years, most in Gulf nations: govt data
Govt data showed that the highest number of deaths occurred in 2021, with 8,234 Indian workers losing their lives abroad; Gulf countries accounted for over 86% of these deaths
360° Perspective Analysis
Deep-dive into Geography, Polity, Economy, History, Environment & Social dimensions — AI-powered, on-demand
Context
Data from the Ministry of External Affairs, presented to the Rajya Sabha, reveals that over 37,740 Indian workers died abroad between 2021 and 2025, an average of over 20 deaths per day. The vast majority of these fatalities (over 86%) occurred in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia reporting the highest numbers. The data also highlights a surge in complaints from workers, ranging from wage disputes to abuse and exploitation, indicating significant distress among the Indian diaspora.
UPSC Perspectives
Governance & Policy
The welfare of the Indian diaspora is a significant aspect of India's foreign policy and a key governance challenge. The government has established a framework to protect migrant workers, primarily through the Emigration Act of 1983, which regulates recruitment and aims to prevent exploitation. To operationalize this, the government has launched several initiatives, including the e-Migrate portal for transparent recruitment and the mandatory Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY), an insurance scheme for workers in Emigration Check Required (ECR) countries. Furthermore, the utilizes the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) to provide on-site assistance like legal aid, shelter, and repatriation for distressed nationals. The government also signs bilateral Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) on labour with host countries, like the one with the UAE, to create a formal structure for cooperation and worker protection. Despite these measures, the high number of deaths and complaints indicates significant gaps in implementation and monitoring. A potential UPSC question could be: 'Critically analyze the efficacy of India's existing legal and institutional framework in protecting its blue-collar workers in the Gulf region. Suggest reforms to address the persistent challenges.'
Economic
Indian migrant workers, particularly in the Gulf, are a cornerstone of India's economy, contributing significantly through remittances. According to the World Bank, India was the top recipient of remittances in 2024, a large portion of which originates from the Gulf. This inflow of foreign exchange is vital for India's balance of payments and provides crucial financial support to millions of families, alleviating poverty and improving human development indicators. However, the article highlights the precarious nature of this economic relationship. Issues like non-payment of salaries, closure of companies, and exploitative working hours directly threaten this economic lifeline. The dependence on the controversial Kafala system in many Gulf nations ties workers to a single employer, restricting their mobility and bargaining power, and often leads to abuse. This creates a scenario of high economic benefit coupled with high human cost. UPSC could ask: 'While remittances from the Gulf are crucial for the Indian economy, the socio-economic vulnerability of migrant workers remains a major concern. Discuss the policy trade-offs and suggest a strategy for a more sustainable and rights-based migration partnership.'
Social & Ethical
The data on deaths and complaints paints a grim picture of the social conditions faced by many Indian workers abroad. These individuals often belong to the most vulnerable sections of society, migrating due to a lack of opportunities at home. They face numerous challenges including poor living conditions, cultural isolation, and denial of basic labour rights, which constitutes a significant human rights issue. The complaints listed—withholding passports, excessive work hours, and ill-treatment—point to a systemic problem of exploitation and modern slavery-like conditions. The article highlights the sharp rise in complaints from UAE, Kuwait, Oman, and Saudi Arabia, which points to systemic problems of exploitation and modern slavery-like conditions within the major destination countries mentioned in the data. From an ethical perspective, there is a duty of care on both the Indian government and the host nations. The government's policy of 'Surakshit Jaye, Prashikshit Jaye' (Go Safe, Go Trained) is a step in the right direction, but its effectiveness is questionable given the data. A mains question could explore the ethical dimensions: 'Examine the ethical responsibilities of the Indian state towards its migrant workers facing exploitation abroad. How can India leverage its diplomatic and soft power to ensure the dignity and rights of its diaspora?'