Gulf countries lead 16,000 plus migrant worker complaints
HYDERABAD: A surge in distress calls from Indians working overseas has once again highlighted the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers, particularly in Gulf countries. Data tabled in Parliament shows that more than 16,000 grievances were lodged on government portals over the past year, ranging from fraudulent recruitment and unpaid wages to fatal workplace accidents and delays in repatriating mortal remains.
Saudi Arabia, UAE lead complaints
According to the data, reported by The Times of India (TOI), the Centre’s grievance platforms for overseas Indians the MADAD portal and the Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System (CPGRAMS) together received 16,127 complaints. Saudi Arabia topped the list with 3,049 grievances, followed by the United Arab Emirates with 1,587 and Malaysia with 662.
Significantly, six of the top 10 countries with the highest number of complaints fall under the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category. These include 18 countries, largely in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, where Indian citizens with ECR status on their passports must obtain clearance from the Protector of Emigrants before taking up overseas employment. The requirement is intended to safeguard unskilled and semi-skilled workers from exploitation.
Fraudulent recruitment, unpaid wages common
“From Telangana alone, there are nearly 15 lakh workers spread across various ECR countries, mostly in Gulf nations, who migrated over the last decade,” said Vamshi Goud, president of the Gulf Workers Awareness Centre (GWAC). “Most complaints involve fraudulent recruitment agents who promise white-collar jobs but eventually force workers into labour-intensive roles. We also receive a large number of cases related to unpaid wages or salaries lower than what was promised,” he added.
Fatal accidents, repatriation challenges
Workplace safety remains a major concern. “Fatal accidents due to the absence of safety gear, excessive work pressure leading to injuries and deaths, and employers withholding workers’ passports are among the most common and disturbing issues reported to us,” Goud said. According to GWAC estimates, most workers earn between ₹18,000 and ₹25,000 a month, with a large proportion hailing from Adilabad, Nizamabad and Karimnagar districts.
Beyond exploitation and wage disputes, the repatriation of mortal remains has emerged as one of the most difficult challenges. “One of the major problems we have faced in recent times is bringing back the bodies of workers who die abroad,” said Vasanth Reddy, vice-president of GWAC.
Against the backdrop of rising complaints and persistent structural gaps, migrant worker groups have stepped up demands for institutional support. Petitions submitted to MPs and MLAs have called for the establishment of a dedicated Gulf welfare board, a census of Gulf migrant workers, and the extension of social security and welfare benefits to families back home.
