The Indian government has released figures detailing the numbers of allegations of labour abuse it has received from migrant workers to the Gulf countries in the four years between 2016 and 2019. 77,155 complaints were made to embassies and consulates in the six countries, with:

• 36% from Saudi Arabia;
• 19% from Kuwait;
• 15% from Oman;
• 14% from Qatar;
• 13% from UAE; and
• 3% from Bahrain.

9,771 complaints of labour abuse have been registered by Indian workers in the six countries in 2019 so far.

Most of the complaints relate to delayed wages and denial of labour rights and benefits. These include a lack of over time pay and holidays, refusal to renew work permits or issue exit visas for workers to visit India, and a lack of provision of healthcare.