The number of deaths of Nepali migrant workers in the UAE in the past six months paints a grim picture of how costly foreign employment has turned out to be for Nepal. As many as 167 Nepali migrant workers lost their lives in the UAE alone in the past six months, according to the Embassy of Nepal in the UAE. The number averages 27 deaths per month. What is troubling to note is that the number of deaths this year marks a sharp rise compared to the previous year, when the average death rate per month was 19. The growing number of untimely deaths of Nepali migrant workers is not limited to the UAE. Nepali migrant workers face the same plight in other labor destinations, mainly in the Gulf region. The ever-increasing number of deaths is no ordinary statistic but a grim tale of human tragedy that calls for an immediate and sustained government intervention. As the remittance, which accounts for almost one-quarter of the country’s GDP, sent by these workers keeps the economy afloat, their sacrifices must not go unnoticed. The government agencies concerned must accord high priority to address their safety concerns and promote their well-being.
Several factors such as extreme heat, hazardous working environment, and poor living conditions, contribute to the high number of Nepali deaths in the Gulf countries. Nepalis in the UAE in particular are losing their lives mainly due to road and workplace accidents, heart attacks and other heart-related ailments, according to the Nepali embassy. The Gulf countries have extremely high temperatures, often exceeding 38°C. Nepali workers, many of whom hail from cooler climates, are particularly vulnerable to heat stroke and other illnesses, especially when engaged in strenuous outdoor work. Many of these workers are also forced to work in dangerous industries like construction, where safety standards are poor. This leaves them vulnerable to accidents, injuries, and fatalities. They also face excessively long working hours with inadequate rest and poor living conditions. In many cases, workers also resort to extreme measures like suicide due to mental health issues. The suicide rate among Nepali migrant workers is said to be relatively higher, likely due to combination of factors like extreme heat, low pay, hazardous work environments and poor living conditions. Lack of basic knowledge about road safety is also causing an equally high number of casualties among Nepali migrant workers in the UAE. A large number of these deaths could be avoided with simple measures like adequate pre-departure orientation and road safety awareness.
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The plight of Nepali workers in the UAE highlights the need for greater protection of migrant workers' rights and improved working conditions. Although the Government of Nepal has taken some steps to protect migrant workers, its efforts have proved grossly inadequate. Addressing the issues of working conditions, access to healthcare, and road safety awareness is crucial to reducing the number of deaths of Nepali migrant workers not just in the UAE but in the Gulf region as a whole. The government agencies concerned must arrange to provide migrant workers heading to their destinations with comprehensive training on working conditions, labor rights, safety measures, and basic language skills to prepare workers for the challenges they may face. Equally critical is the need to enhance diplomatic efforts to advocate for stronger protection for workers and bilateral agreements with labor destination countries to ensure the safety and well-being of Nepali workers. Strengthening support systems such as accessible and responsive consular services, legal aid, and emergency assistance to Nepali workers in distress is equally crucial in minimizing these deaths. The government must recognize the contribution made by migrant workers to the national economy and take immediate and sustained measures to protect their lives and dignity.
