Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar
Minister of External Affairs
Government of India
South Block, Raisina Hill
New Delhi – 110011
India
Dear Dr. Jaishankar,
Subject: Urgent Concern Regarding the Safety and Security of Indian Workers in the Gulf
I am writing to you on behalf of Human Rights Defence International (HRDI) to express our profound concern over the tragic incident in Kuwait, where 40 Indian workers were burned to death.
This heartbreaking event has brought to light the precarious conditions under which many Indian workers are living and working in the Gulf countries, particularly in labor camps.
HRDI has been supporting the cause of Indian workers in the Gulf for a long time and is deeply concerned about their safety and well-being.
The safety and security of Indian workers abroad, especially in the Gulf region, have long been areas of concern.
This recent tragedy underscores the urgent need for robust protective measures to be implemented to ensure their well-being. The conditions in many labor camps are often substandard, lacking basic safety protocols and adequate living conditions, which put the lives of workers at great risk.
We request your esteemed office to take immediate action by engaging with the Ministry of Home Affairs and other relevant departments to initiate a dialogue with the Government of Kuwait and other Gulf countries.
It is imperative to prioritize the safety of our citizens working abroad and to ensure that their rights and dignity are upheld.
We also urge you to advocate for stricter enforcement of labor laws and improved oversight of working and living conditions in the Gulf countries. By doing so, we can prevent such tragedies in the future and provide Indian workers with the security they deserve.
We hope that the Government of India will take swift and decisive action to protect our workers and prevent further loss of life.
Thank you for your attention to this critical matter.
Sincerely,
Rajesh Gogna,
Secretary General (HRDI)
