PM Modi in UAE: Meets Indian workers in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, Aug 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi who is on his maiden two-day visit to UAE met Indian labourers at a camp in Abu Dhabi, media reported.

PM Modi interacted with Indian labourers at an indoor basketball court at the labour camp in the Industrial City of Abu Dhabi. Indian labourers help to build glitzy skyscrapers, hotels and museums in the oil-rich Gulf state.

According to figures available, around 2.6 million Indians reside in UAE. The embassy estimates about 60 per cent of those are blue-collar workers.

The Prime Minister is due to attend a public event in Dubai on Monday with some 40,000 Indian expatriates expected to attend.

In November, India launched a campaign for higher wages for its workers in the Gulf states. Indian diplomats raised the minimum salaries they recommend because of higher living costs.

Several measures, including mid-day breaks for workers in the country's sweltering summer heat, better healthcare facilities and accommodation have been provided across the UAE. But rights groups think a lot more needs to be done.

Modi meets Indian workers in Mussaffah during UAE visit http://t.co/9Hlqh8Fs7E pic.twitter.com/weMY9pZDwn

— The National (@TheNationalUAE) August 16, 2015

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