Gulf nations top list of suicide deaths among Indians abroad: MEA data

Over the last three years, 1,340 Indian citizens died by suicide in Gulf countries, according to data provided by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in Parliament. The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries accounted for more than 70% of all suicide deaths among Indians abroad during this period.

The data, tabled in response to a parliamentary question, reveals that the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recorded the highest number of such deaths at 511, followed by Saudi Arabia (354), Kuwait (162), Oman (146), Bahrain (101), and Qatar (66). In total, the MEA recorded over 1,900 suicide deaths of Indian citizens abroad between 2023 and 2025.

Outside the Gulf region, Malaysia recorded 131 suicide deaths, the United States 62, and Italy, Canada, and the United Kingdom each reported over 30 cases in the three-year period.

Around one crore Indian citizens and persons of Indian origin are currently living in Gulf countries, according to official estimates. Experts point to factors such as harsh working conditions, isolation, and financial stress as potential contributors to the high numbers, though the MEA data does not provide reasons for individual cases.

The government has not yet announced any specific measures targeting mental health support for Indian workers in the Gulf, but the issue has drawn attention from lawmakers and diaspora welfare groups.