HYDERABAD: Conditions have become tough for Indians working in Gulf countries as competition for jobs increase and local governments come up with stringent norms for migrant workers.
Most Indians migrating to the Persian Gulf take loans to realise their overseas dreams. But, the conditions they encounter once they land is quite different from expectations.
“Unskilled workers get between Rs 10,000 to Rs 15,000, skilled workers between Rs 30,000 to Rs 50,000, some even get as much as Rs 1 lakh a month. White collar employees get more than that. While, there is no problem for white collar employees even now, unskilled and semi-skilled Indian workers are facing a different situation, as the economy slows down and competition from Bangladeshi workers increases. While, the lucky ones earn enough to repay the loans they took, many are stranded,” pointed out K Narasimham Naidu, president of Migrants Rights and Welfare Forum, which works to support migrant workers stuck in Gulf.
“Nevertheless,” he added, “year-on-year the number of people going to Gulf nations is only increasing.”
Getting to the gulf involves significant funds for the typical migrant. One has to spend between Rs 1 lakh to Rs 3 lakh, most of which goes to middle men to secure a visa. But, earning just about Rs 10,000, unskilled labourers find it quite hard.
Skilled workers, however, used to earn enough to save up.
“Though, initially I struggled to get job, I earn between Rs 30,000 to Rs 35-000 monthly. I have repaid my loans, but the situation is not as rosy as it used be. New migrants need to think twice before embarking on the journey,” explained Rameez Raza, an electrician.
Kerala, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh are the top contributors of Indian labour to the Gulf and these migrants fuel a large network of businesses like money transfer agents, airlines travel agents, visa agents, etc. They also pump in capital for local trade, as family members invest in, and set up, many small businesses. The dream of lakhs of aspirant migrants to the Gulf.
But, analysts say that this ‘Gulf success story’ is well past its prime.
“Working conditions and rules have certainly become tough for migrant workers. The reasons are different in different countries. While there is no need to panic... the good old days of making a fortune in Gulf may never come again,” summed up V George Antony, MD of UAE Exchange India.