MEA data placed before the Lok Sabha shows that 1,340 Indian citizens died by suicide in six Gulf countries between 2023 and 2025. The UAE recorded the highest number, while natural causes and workplace accidents remained major contributors to Indian deaths overseas.
UAE cases lead Gulf suicide figures
According to figures shared by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh, the UAE reported 511 suicide deaths among Indian citizens during the three-year period. Saudi Arabia recorded 354 cases, followed by Kuwait with 162, Oman with 146, Bahrain with 101 and Qatar with 66.
Together, the six Gulf Cooperation Council countries accounted for more than 70 per cent of over 1,900 suicide deaths involving Indians abroad between 2023 and 2025. Malaysia recorded 131 cases and the United States 62. The figures were presented in response to a Lok Sabha question from MPs Satpal Brahamchari and Jai Prakash.
Gulf deaths remain driven by natural causes
Natural causes were the leading reason for Indian deaths across the Gulf. Saudi Arabia recorded 6,376 such deaths, followed by the UAE with 5,702, Kuwait with 1,672, Oman with 1,092, Qatar with 783 and Bahrain with 703.
Workplace accidents also remained a concern. Saudi Arabia reported 182 deaths and the UAE 128, while Kuwait recorded 62, Oman 38, Qatar 23 and Bahrain 10. Crime-related deaths were much lower, with Saudi Arabia reporting 29 and Kuwait 10 during the period.
Worker safety abroad needs wider support
The figures point to a wider worker-welfare challenge rather than one single cause. Financial pressure, isolation, difficult working conditions, family separation and limited access to mental-health care can increase vulnerability, although the parliamentary reply did not state the reasons behind individual suicide cases.
The annual average number of reported suicides among Indians abroad was higher in 2023–2025 than in the 2014–2022 figures previously released by the MEA. However, this should not be called a confirmed rise in the suicide rate because population-adjusted data and uniform reporting standards were not provided.
PBBY cover protects eligible migrant workers
The government said it has introduced measures to protect Indian workers overseas, including the Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana. The mandatory scheme applies to Emigration Check Required category workers travelling to ECR countries and provides ₹10 lakh cover for accidental death or permanent disability.
MEA information states that the premium is ₹275 for two years or ₹375 for three years. Insurance can reduce the financial impact of an accident, but it cannot replace stronger labour protections, accessible counselling and faster embassy support.
