More than 1,340 Indian nationals died by suicide in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries between 2023 and 2025, accounting for over 70% of all reported suicides involving Indians abroad during the three-year period, according to data presented by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in Parliament.

The figures were shared by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh in a written reply during the ongoing Monsoon Session, highlighting growing concerns over the mental health and welfare of Indian migrant workers overseas.

UAE Reports Highest Number of Cases

Among the Gulf nations, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recorded the highest number of suicides involving Indian citizens, with 511 cases reported between 2023 and 2025.

The remaining GCC figures include:

• Saudi Arabia: 354 cases

• Kuwait: 162 cases

• Oman: 146 cases

• Bahrain: 101 cases

• Qatar: 66 cases

Outside the Gulf region, Malaysia reported 131 cases, while the United States recorded 62 suicides involving Indian nationals during the same period. Countries including Italy, Canada and the United Kingdom each reported more than 30 cases.

Migrant Welfare Concerns Resurface

While the government did not specify the reasons behind the deaths, the data has renewed focus on the challenges faced by millions of Indians working abroad, particularly in Gulf countries.

Nearly 10 million Indians and people of Indian origin live and work across GCC nations, many employed in sectors such as construction, domestic services, transportation, healthcare and hospitality.

Labour rights organisations have consistently raised concerns over delayed wages, poor working conditions, excessive workloads, denial of employment benefits and workplace exploitation. In some cases, migrant workers have also reported restrictions on changing jobs or returning to India due to passport confiscation or employer-related disputes.

Mental health experts say financial pressure, social isolation, separation from family members and limited access to counselling services often contribute to emotional distress among migrant workers.

Government Highlights Existing Support Mechanisms

Responding to concerns over the welfare of Indian citizens overseas, the Ministry of External Affairs said several support systems are already in place.

The government highlighted the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana (PBBY), a mandatory insurance scheme for workers falling under the Emigration Check Required (ECR) category. The scheme provides insurance coverage for medical emergencies, permanent disability and repatriation in case of death.

In addition, Indian embassies and consulates in Gulf countries operate 24-hour emergency helplines, provide legal assistance and address grievances through the MADAD online portal, which enables overseas Indians to seek official support.

Calls for Stronger Mental Health Support

Despite these initiatives, migrant welfare organisations have urged the government to strengthen mental health services for overseas workers.

Experts have recommended expanding counselling support, improving awareness about mental health, ensuring quicker grievance redressal and enhancing labour protections to reduce stress among vulnerable migrant communities.

The latest parliamentary data has once again brought attention to the human cost behind overseas employment and the need for stronger institutional support for Indians working abroad.