Tragedy Strikes Indian Workers in Kuwait
The bodies of 45 Indian workers who died in a fire at a residential facility in Kuwait were repatriated to India, causing immense grief among their families. The fire, suspected to have been caused by an electrical short circuit, claimed the lives of a total of 49 people, with Indian workers comprising a significant number. Families of the deceased gathered at the airport to receive the coffins, which were placed in the cargo complex with photographs of the victims on display.
Calls for Better Protection of Migrant Workers
The tragic incident has sparked calls for the Indian government to take more proactive measures to protect the lives of migrant workers who contribute significantly to the country’s economy through remittances. The Chief Minister of Kerala described the accident as a "national tragedy," highlighting the importance of migrant workers to the state. With millions of foreign workers residing in Gulf countries like Kuwait, overcrowded housing and potential safety hazards remain major concerns.
Concerns Over Working Conditions of Indian Expatriates
The Kuwait fire has underscored the poor working conditions faced by many Indian expatriates working in foreign countries, especially in the Gulf region. With a significant portion of Indian workers employed in industries like construction in Kuwait, there is a pressing need for better monitoring and enforcement of safety regulations. Despite claims of a "robust mechanism" in place to oversee working conditions overseas, experts argue that more needs to be done to ensure the well-being of Indian workers abroad.
