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 "8.7 Million Indians Working in Gulf: Fire Tragedy Sparks Debate on Safety, Wages")
A devastating fire that ravaged a residential building in Mangaf, Kuwait on June 12th claimed the lives of 50 migrant workers, at least 46 of whom were Indian nationals primarily engaged in blue-collar jobs.
The building housed 196 migrant workers, predominantly from India. This tragic event has cast a spotlight on the vast Indian diaspora working in West Asia, seeking livelihood opportunities.
A recent report by recruitment and data analytics platform Huntr revealed that approximately 8.7 million Indians currently reside in the six Gulf countries – Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
The majority of these individuals are employed in blue-collar sectors, with the UAE hosting the largest number at 3.4 million, followed by Saudi Arabia (2.6 million), Kuwait (1 million), Qatar (750,000), and Oman (700,000).
Young adults aged 18-30 constitute 50%-60% of the Indian workforce migrating to these countries, often taking up labor-intensive roles in construction, factories, warehouses, and domestic services. Middle-aged workers aged 31-45 comprise 30%-40% of this workforce, typically sought after for skilled positions requiring experience.
The construction industry emerges as the primary employer of Indian blue-collar workers in West Asia, driven by ongoing infrastructure projects and mega-developments such as the UAE's ongoing projects, Saudi Arabia's NEOM, and the Red Sea Project. Other significant sectors include healthcare, hospitality, and tourism, employing Indian workers in roles like housekeeping, cleaning, maintenance, and support staff.
Monthly earnings for blue-collar workers vary across positions: construction laborers ($200-$500), domestic helpers ($300-$1000), security guards ($400-$1000), skilled construction workers ($400-$800), and warehouse workers/loaders ($300-$500).
The Kuwait fire has also raised concerns about the living conditions of Indian workers in these countries. The Kuwait Municipality has responded by launching a crackdown on illegal property extensions, a longstanding issue wherein basement parking areas are converted into warehouses and ground-floor spaces into housing units or shops. These unauthorized modifications compromise building safety and integrity.
NBTC Group, the employer of the fire victims, has expressed condolences and pledged immediate financial support to the affected families. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the challenges and risks faced by Indian migrant workers in West Asia, prompting calls for improved safety regulations and living standards.
