Challenges for Indian migrant workers in the Gulf region: current situation and responses

Abstract

India currently has the largest diaspora population in the world, with migrant workers in the Gulf countries accounting for a significant proportion. Since the 1970s, this migration flow has expanded rapidly alongside the oil-driven economic boom in the Gulf, contributing substantially to India’s remittances and national development. However, Indian migrant workers continue to face numerous challenges, including harsh working conditions, limited legal protection, and structural inequalities in labor systems. This article indicates that, in order to protect the rights of overseas workers, the Government of India has implemented various measures such as improving migration laws, establishing welfare mechanisms, and strengthening cooperation with destination countries. The findings show that, although the protection system has been reinforced, ensuring social security for Indian workers in the Gulf region remains limited due to institutional differences and asymmetric power relations between the sending and receiving countries.