The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, are home to over nine million Indian expatriates. This significant diaspora is largely comprised of migrant workers who have relocated to these nations for employment opportunities.
The UAE hosts the largest segment of the Indian population in the GCC, with approximately 3.4 million Indians. Saudi Arabia follows with about 2.5 million Indian residents. Kuwait, Qatar, and
Nine Million Indians in GCC Countries
The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, which include the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Bahrain, now host more than nine million Indian expatriates. This substantial community, primarily composed of migrant workers, underscores the deep economic ties between India and the GCC nations.
The UAE leads with approximately 3.4 million Indians, making it the largest hub for the Indian diaspora in the GCC. Saudi Arabia follows closely, hosting around 2.5 million Indians. Kuwait is home to over one million Indian residents, while Qatar and Oman each have about 700,000 Indians. Bahrain, the smallest of the GCC countries, hosts more than 300,000 Indians.
Indian workers in the GCC countries predominantly engage in sectors such as construction, services, and healthcare. Despite their significant contributions to the economies of these countries, many Indian workers face challenging conditions. Reports indicate widespread issues related to labor rights and living conditions, with numerous complaints about mistreatment and poor working environments.
Since 2016, India has received over 90,000 complaints from Indian workers in the GCC concerning labor abuses and harsh working conditions. Saudi Arabia accounts for the highest number of these grievances, followed by Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Bahrain. To address these issues, the Indian government has implemented several measures, including the establishment of the Consular Services Management System (MADAD) portal, which handles various grievances ranging from labor exploitation to everyday challenges faced by Indians abroad.
The Indian government also operates the Pravasi Bharatiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK) and the e-Migrate portal to provide support and resolve issues related to overseas employment. Additionally, Indian Missions and Consulates in the GCC countries conduct Open Houses and maintain 24×7 helplines to assist Indian nationals in distress. The Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF) further extends support to Indian nationals by covering areas such as emergency assistance, community welfare activities, and improving consular services.
The presence of Indian expatriates in the GCC has fostered strong bilateral relations between India and these countries. The Indian government has signed various Labor and Manpower Cooperation Agreements with the GCC nations, establishing an institutional framework for discussing and resolving labor-related issues. Regular Joint Working Group (JWG) meetings are held to review and address labor matters comprehensively.
The contributions of Indian workers are integral to the economic development of the GCC countries. Their presence has also led to a cultural exchange, enriching the social fabric of both India and the GCC nations. However, the ongoing challenges related to labor rights and living conditions highlight the need for continued efforts to ensure the welfare and protection of Indian workers abroad.
