Three Indians died every week in Gulf workplace accidents between 2023 & 2025, MEA data shows

More than 800 Indian nationals died in workplace accidents overseas between 2023 and 2025, with Gulf countries accounting for over half of the fatalities, according to data from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). The figures have come under renewed scrutiny following last month's blast in Qatar that killed 12 Indians.

MEA data shows that 55% of the workplace deaths occurred in Gulf countries, where nearly three Indian workers died every week on average during the three-year period.

Saudi Arabia recorded the highest number of fatalities at 182, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 128 deaths. Together, the two countries accounted for nearly 39% of all workplace accident deaths involving Indian nationals abroad during the period.


The data also showed that a majority of suicides involving Indian nationals overseas were reported from Gulf countries, highlighting the challenges faced by migrant workers in the region.

The Telangana NRI Migrants' Association attributed the recurring workplace fatalities to several factors, including inadequate use of safety equipment, poor compliance with workplace safety protocols, technical failures at industrial sites and insufficient skill and safety training.

The association said many workers are employed in temperatures exceeding 45 degrees Celsius and then return to accommodation cooled to around 20 degrees Celsius. It said such temperature differences of 20-25 degrees Celsius can lead to serious health complications.

Most Indian workers in the Gulf are employed in sectors such as construction, retail, warehouses and automobiles, where occupational risks are relatively high.

"At times, workers neglect their own safety by failing to wear protective gear such as helmets, boots and gloves while working in hazardous industries. In several cases, they are unaware of the risks," Manda Bheem Reddy, vice-chairman of the Telangana NRI Cell. told TOI.

The migrants' welfare association said the high number of suicides is often linked to cramped accommodation, poor-quality food and demanding work schedules.

"Also, workers often go without salaries for up to three months while putting in shifts of 12 hours a day. Even when wages are paid, deductions are common, adding to their stress," said B M Vinod Kumar, chairman of the Telangana government's NRI Advisory Committee.

Vinod Kumar also alleged that some employers avoid responsibility by classifying workplace deaths as "natural causes" such as heart attacks, while only a limited number provide compensation through insurance coverage.

The MEA said the government accords high priority to the safety and well-being of Indians living abroad and has established mechanisms for workers to seek assistance.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh told the Rajya Sabha that Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras have been set up in New Delhi, Dubai, Riyadh and Jeddah.

"There are dedicated labour wings... Indian missions regularly organise open house and consular camps in remote areas to get feedback from the workers...," Singh said.

The minister also said that to strengthen the safety of women workers, only state-run agencies are authorised to recruit female workers holding Emigration Check Required (ECR) passports for Gulf countries through the e-Migrate portal.