The Vital Yet Overlooked Role of Indian Migrant Workers in the Middle East Oil Industry
‘Indian workers are central to Middle East oil — yet, they’re unseen’
The Economic Times
Image: The Economic Times
Indian migrant workers have been crucial to the development of the Middle Eastern oil industry since its inception, often earning significantly more than they would in India. Despite their contributions, they remain largely invisible in discussions about the industry, facing challenging living conditions and job insecurity.
- 01Indian migrants have been integral to the Middle Eastern oil industry since its early days in the 1900s.
- 02Many workers earn 6 to 10 times more in the Gulf than in India, significantly impacting their families through remittances.
- 03Living conditions for migrant workers can be poor, with many residing in crowded dormitories and facing loneliness.
- 04The historical context of labor strikes shows a decline in collective action among workers due to restrictive laws.
- 05Despite their contributions, Indian migrant workers remain largely unseen in discussions about the oil industry.
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Indian migrant workers have played a pivotal role in the Middle Eastern oil industry since the early 20th century, starting from the discovery of oil in Iran in 1908. Andrea Wright, a Professor of Anthropology, highlights that these workers often earn 6 to 10 times more than they would in India, making their remittances vital for their families back home. However, they face challenging living conditions, often residing in overcrowded dormitories far from city centers, and many experience deep loneliness despite their financial contributions. The history of labor strikes in the region reveals a shift from collective action to individual struggles, largely due to restrictive labor laws that have made it difficult to unionize. Despite their essential contributions to the oil industry, Indian migrant workers remain largely invisible in discussions about the sector, highlighting a need for greater awareness of their experiences and challenges.
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The remittances sent home by Indian migrant workers significantly support their families in India, contributing to local economies.
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