20 Indian Workers Die Daily Abroad, Govt Tells RS

New Delhi: More than 37,000 Indian workers have died abroad between 2021 and 2025, the government told Parliament; This means an average of more than 20 deaths per day, with the majority of deaths reported from Gulf countries.

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, in his written reply to the Rajya Sabha, said that 37,740 deaths of Indian workers were recorded in the five-year period. No separation based on reason was provided.

Data showed 8,234 deaths in 2021; followed by 6,614 deaths in 2022, 7,291 in 2023, 7,747 in 2024 and 7,854 in 2025; This indicates an increase after the initial decrease.

Gulf countries accounted for more than 86 percent of deaths. The United Arab Emirates reported 12,380 deaths, Saudi Arabia 11,757; followed by Kuwait (3,890), Oman (2,821), Malaysia (1,915) and Qatar (1,760). A total of 32,608 deaths were recorded in the Gulf countries during this period.

Indian missions abroad also received 80,985 complaints regarding harassment, exploitation and workplace issues. The highest number of complaints were reported from the UAE (16,965), followed by Kuwait (15,234), Oman (13,295) and Saudi Arabia (12,988).

Outside the Gulf, Malaysia and the Maldives reported 8,333 and 2,981 complaints respectively. Southeast Asian countries, including Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos, showed higher numbers of complaints despite fewer deaths.

Complaints increased from 11,632 in 2021 to 22,479 in 2025. Common problems include non-payment or delay of wages, withholding of passports, denial of leave, excessive working hours without overtime, job loss due to company closure, mistreatment and denial of exit visas, the ministry said.

The minister said the government prioritizes the safety and welfare of Indian workers abroad. Missions provide consular and legal assistance and establish relationships with local authorities in host countries.

He added that India has signed labor and manpower cooperation agreements with many countries to protect the interests of its workers abroad.