MEA Data Raises Alarm: Nearly Three Indian Workers Die At Workplace Weekly In Gulf Accidents

New Delhi: More than 800 Indian nationals working abroad died in occupational accidents between 2023 and 2025, revealed the data by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA). Meanwhile, over half of these deaths (around 55 per cent) were reported from the Gulf region, where the average fatality rate stood at nearly three workers every week. The issue has once again come into focus after 12 Indians were killed in last month's explosion in Qatar, reigniting concerns over workplace safety and the need for stricter enforcement of labour protections.The MEA data revealed that 182 Indian nationals died in Saudi Arabia at their workplaces between 2023 and 2025, and 128 deaths of Indian workers were reported in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the same

period.Notably, most of the suicides recorded during the period involved Indian workers in Gulf countries, highlighting the significant hardships and mental health challenges faced by migrant labourers in the region.Notably, several Indians working abroad lost their lives during the US-Iran and the Russia-Ukraine wars.The MEA also issued an advisory for Indian nationals undertaking employment on commercial vessels operating in the Black Sea region amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. "The security situation in and around the Black Sea and adjoining maritime areas remains highly volatile due to the ongoing conflict. Commercial vessels operating in or transiting these waters are facing significant security risks, including missile and drone attacks. Since April 2026, there has been an increase in the number of such incidents on commercial vessels, which has also resulted in the tragic loss of 5 Indian lives," it stated."Indian nationals intending to undertake employment on commercial vessels operating in or transiting the conflict-affected region are advised to carefully assess the prevailing security risks before accepting such assignments. Those who choose to undertake such employment should exercise the utmost caution and observe the following precautions," it added.

Seafarer Safety Framework For Emerging Maritime Risks:

The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025, has come into force with effect from March 26 this year, aiming to modernise India's maritime legal framework in line with contemporary international maritime standards and significantly strengthen the statutory framework governing the safety, welfare and rights of seafarers. It introduces statutory safeguards for abandoned seafarers, strengthens the regulation and oversight of Recruitment and Placement Services, and provides a robust legal framework for implementing evolving international maritime labour standards.In addition, the Directorate General of Maritime Administration, the regulator under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, in response to evolving security situations in conflict-sensitive maritime regions has issued advisories and circulars.