About 66 Nepalis lost their lives in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) — the Middle East job destination — in 2011. According to the Nepali embassy, 60 Nepalis died in work places and six committed suicide last year.

“Deaths in the UAE have dropped significantly following improved living conditions and awareness,” said Nepali ambassador to the UAE Dhananjaya Jha. “Orientation on foreign employment before their departure has played a pivotal role in reducing job related stress and accidents,” he said.

According to the embassy, about 67 deaths were reported in 2010 and 11 of them were suicides. Likewise, there were 88 deaths in 2009, of which 12 were suicides. The embassy record shows that 20 Nepalis have lost their lives in the first four months of the current year including two suicides.

Debt taken for foreign employment is the major reason compelling migrant workers to commit suicide, said first secretary at the embassy LB Chhetry. “The major cause of stress among workers is debt taken at up to 60 per cent interest,” he said.

According to the UAE government, about 160,000 Nepalis are working in the Gulf country. More than 60 per cent Nepali migrant workers are stationed in Dubai and the remaining are distributed in Northern Emirates and Abu Dhabi. The destination is hiring an average of 2000 Nepalis every month.

Nepalis working in the UAE earn around Dh 700 (Rs 16,035) per month. Migrant workers in UAE get free insurance, health card, food and accommodation.

Published on: 4 April 2012 | The Himalayan Times