Embassy of India, Doha has seen media reports about deaths of Indian nationals in Qatar.

The Embassy’s comments are as follows: 

(i)         India and Qatar have historically enjoyed close and friendly relations.

(ii)        Indian nationals comprise the largest expatriate community in Qatar. We have a large, diverse, accomplished and highly regarded community.

(iii)       Government of India and its Diplomatic Missions accord utmost priority to the welfare of Indian nationals abroad. The Embassy has a regular, active and broad-based outreach to the Indian community in Qatar. We are grateful for the cooperation and support of the authorities concerned in Qatar in ensuring the welfare of Indian nationals and in following up their problems/cases.

(iv)       These issues are also discussed at the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Human Resources between the two Governments. Both sides had cordial and productive discussions at the last meeting of this JWG held in New Delhi on 30-31 October, 2013, at which Qatar’s delegation was led by HE Mr. Hussain Al Mulla, Undersecretary in Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs.

(v)        Besides various other measures to reach out to the Indian community in a broad-based manner and to actively follow up their problems, the Embassy has a monthly Open House to address any urgent consular and labour issues/cases.  The Ambassador and other officers meet all visitors to the Open House.

(vi)       In response to requests from media and other quarters, salient information on the total number of complaints, deaths registered with the Embassy, and Indians in Deportation Centre and Central Jail, etc. is given as a Press Release and posted on Embassy’s website [www.indianembassyqatar.gov.in] after the Open House.

(vii)      Considering the large size of the Indian community, the number of complaints is small – 3264 in 2010, 3186 in 2011, 3385 in 2012, 3558 in 2013 and 513 in 2014. Every complaint is followed up actively with local authorities.

(viii)     Further, considering the large size of our community, the number of deaths is quite normal – 233 in 2010, 239 in 2011, 237 in 2012, 241 in 2013 and 37 in 2014. Most of the deaths are by natural causes.

(ix)       It is, therefore, inappropriate to use these figures in a distorted manner.

(x)        Government of Qatar continues to take several measures to further improve the living and working conditions of workers, and for further strengthening administrative, legal and other mechanisms to safeguard workers’ interests.

(xi)   We appreciate these measures being taken by Qatari authorities.