2 more Indians commit suicide in UAE, Indian missions concerned

Dubai, Jan 7 (UNI) Two Indians committed suicide in separate incidents by hanging themselves with rope from fans at their residences in Ras Al Khaimah.

Several Indian associations have expressed concern over the increasing incidence of suicide among workers and urged the Indian missions to start counselling centers in labour camps for the benefit of the workers.

Lack of higher education for children, job insecurity, low wages, long periods of separation from families, poor working conditions and lack of medical insurance drove many of them to commit suicides.

The Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs had announced a 24x7 helpline for Indians working abroad - to be set up at 13 missions in the Gulf, Singapore, Malaysia and south-east Asian countries.

Smart cards, containing all information regarding employment and insurance would be introduced for all future emigrants.

A 32-year-old labourer identified as J S was found dead in his room in the the industrial area of Khor Khowair, the Gulf News quoted a police official as saying.

The victim had hanged himself with rope fixed to the fan, he said.

In another suicide case, a 57-year-old Indian identified as M A hanged himself from the fan of his residence in the city.

There were more than 3.6 million Indian migrant workers in Gulf, almost half of them from Kerala.

UNI XC SYU HS1615