Migrant workers for US defence contractor KBR, which employs about 1,200 workers from the Philippines, India, Kenya and Mauritius on a defence base on the island of Diego Garcia (a British Overseas Territory), have expressed concerns for their safety following the deaths of two colleagues.

An investigation into the death of Saddam Ali, an Indian employee, in November 2023 revealed his body was held on the island for seven weeks before being repatriated. The day before Ali died doctors tried to place him on a portable ventilator which reportedly failed to function correctly.

In June 2024, the Guardian reported on the death of a second worker, Relemay Fabul Gan from the Philippines, who died after suffering a collapsed lung following weeks of illness with a Covid diagnosis. Her family believes she would not have died if she had been taken off the island.

In comments reported by the Guaridn and Observer regarding each case, KBR maintains it acted promptly to order a medevac and medical treatment for the workers.