India is one of those countries in the world where a large number of people go abroad in search of employment, business and a better life. Lakhs of Indians are working especially in Gulf countries, Europe and America. By working in these countries their earnings are also good. But, behind these shining opportunities there is a bitter truth also hidden. According to the data presented in Parliament by the Ministry of External Affairs, thousands of Indian citizens died abroad between 2023 and 2025.
The data revealed that most of these deaths occurred due to natural causes, but a large number of Indians also lost their lives due to workplace accidents, suicide, crime and other reasons. These figures not only highlight the plight of the Indian diaspora, but also show that many challenges still exist regarding the safety and welfare of Indians working abroad. In response to a question in the Lok Sabha, the Ministry of External Affairs said that the government has reviewed the cases of deaths of Indian citizens abroad between 2023 and 2025.
Highest number of deaths in Saudi and UAE
The data and reasons based on different countries have been shared in the report. Among these, the figures of countries like Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), America, Britain, Italy and Germany attract the most attention, because a large number of Indians live and work in these countries. According to the report, the highest number of deaths of Indians were recorded in Saudi Arabia. After this are countries like United Arab Emirates, America, Oman, Malaysia, Kuwait and Italy. The government says that Indian missions continuously help the overseas Indians and efforts are made to resolve any complaints by contacting the local administration and employers.
- Highest number of deaths in Saudi Arabia: 7,981 deaths of Indian citizens recorded during 2023-2025.
- UAE at second place: A total of 7,458 Indians died in UAE.
- Most deaths due to natural causes: In almost every major country, most deaths due to natural causes occurred in the workplace.
- Accidents and suicide are also a matter of concern: Many cases of workplace accidents and suicide were reported in Gulf countries.
- The government claimed to strengthen the support system: insurance scheme, legal aid and making the process of bringing the dead body to India easier.
Deaths of Indians abroad (Getty Image)
In which countries did most Indians die?
According to the data given by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, 6,376 people died due to natural causes in Saudi Arabia. Apart from this, 182 people died in workplace accidents, 354 committed suicide, 29 people died in crime-related incidents and 1,040 people died due to other reasons. In this way the total number of deaths reached 7,981. The situation in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) also remained serious. There were 5,702 natural deaths, 128 workplace accidents, 511 suicides, 25 crime-related deaths and 1,092 deaths due to other causes.
Overall 7,458 Indian citizens lost their lives. Deaths of 2,850 Indian citizens were recorded in America. These include 2,340 natural deaths, 46 workplace accidents, 62 suicides, 37 crimes and 365 other causes. A total of 1,057 Indians died in Italy, while 2,191 deaths were recorded in Kuwait, 1,498 in Oman and 1,437 in Malaysia.
Which other names are included in the top countries?
According to the data of the Ministry of External Affairs for 2023-2025, the top 20 countries in these categories include Italy, Qatar, Bahrain, Singapore, Britain, Canada, Australia, Philippines, Germany, Spain, South Africa, China, Nigeria and Thailand. These figures show that in countries with large populations of Indian immigrants, along with natural deaths, workplace accidents, suicide and other causes also remain a matter of concern.
Why are natural deaths the highest?
The report clearly shows that in most of the countries the number of deaths due to natural causes is highest. It is believed that a large number of Indians work abroad for long hours. Increasing age, heart disease, diabetes and other health problems can be the main reasons for this. At the same time, in Gulf countries, extreme heat, difficult work and long duty also affect health.
Workplace accidents and mental health also a concern
Statistics show that the cases of workplace accidents and suicides are also not less. Especially workers working in construction, oil and gas and industrial sectors face greater risks. Mental health experts say that distance from family, financial pressure, job stress and social loneliness also become major challenges for many migrant workers.
What did the government say?
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the safety, protection and welfare of Indian citizens and migrant workers living abroad is the priority of the government. Many arrangements have been made for this purpose, so that Indian citizens can get immediate help when needed. The government said that Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendras (PBSK) are being operated in places like Delhi, Dubai, Riyadh and Jeddah, which, in collaboration with Indian embassies, provide guidance, counseling and other necessary assistance to overseas Indians.
Helping Indians abroad (Getty Image)
Apart from this, help can also be availed in Indian missions through 24-hour helpline, email, WhatsApp and social media. Facility of online portals like MADAD, CPGRAMS and e-Migrate is also available for redressal of complaints. In countries where large numbers of Indian workers work, special labor wings have been created, which coordinate with the local administration and employers to resolve workers’ problems. Also, the Indian Embassy organizes open houses and consular camps from time to time to listen to the complaints of NRIs and take action towards resolving them.
New system of insurance and bringing dead body
The government said that under Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY), insurance is mandatory for ECR category workers. In case of accidental death or permanent disability, an insurance cover of up to Rs 10 lakh is available. Apart from this, the eCARe portal of the Health Ministry digitalises the process of approval for bringing dead bodies from abroad to India and aims to give approval within 48 hours. To help the needy Indians, facilities like legal aid, medical aid, tickets and sending the dead body to India are also provided through the Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF).
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