Middle East Crisis: The US-Iran-Israel war has entered the fifth day, and as the deadly attack from both sides--the US, Israel combined and Iran-- is raising safety concern to around 9 million Indian citizens living in Gulf nations, including the UAE and Saudi Arabia and many thousands of Indian nationals working in Israel.
UAE is home to lakhs of Indians who have been living there for years, working in almost all sectors, including transport, IT, real estate, and others. A large number of business owners and Indian film celebrities have their residences in the country as well.
Meanwhile, the Iranian attack on US bases in the UAE and Saudi Arabia is turning out to be a potential threat to working professionals in the area. Let's understand that these nations are one of the preferred locations for Indian working professionals.
According to a report by the expatriate workforce management platform Indian earn a handsome salary in Gulf nations, and it has been the largest employment hub for Indians for decades.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is the top destination, as approximately 3.4-3.5 million Indians work here. Handsome salary, tax-free income, world-class infrastructure, and a diversified economy (hubs like Dubai and Abu Dhabi) make it a preferred choice for Indians.
On average, Indian professionals here earn AED 12,000–22,000 per month (approximately Rs 3–5 lakh). For professionals working in IT, engineering, and finance sectors, the salary can exceed 30,000 dirhams.
Saudi Arabia
The Arab nation is the home of approximately 2.6-2.7 million Indians, who are employed in various sectors there. Earlier introduced, the economic reforms under Vision 2030 have increased opportunities here. The average salary is around SAR 16,000 per month (approximately Rs 3.5 lakh), while it can be higher in the oil and tech sectors.
Qatar
Qatar is one of the key destinations whereIndiansn head to have high-paying jobs. The nation has around 7.5 lakh Indians living there. The average salary is QAR 18,000 per month (approximately Rs 4.55 lakh) for people working primarily in the energy and infrastructure sectors.
Kuwait
It has the strongest currency in the world, and it offers diverse job profiles for Indians. Kuwait has approximately 1 million working Indians, and the average salary in the country is KWD 1,500 per month (approximately Rs 4.9 lakh).
Bahrain and Oman
Bahrain and Oman are considered mid-level options. The average monthly salary in Bahrain is reported to be BHD 1,20,0 and in Oman, OMR 1,200 (approximately Rs 2.50 lakh).
Average Salary of Blue-Collar Indians
Construction Worker: $200–$500 per month
Domestic Helper: $300–$1000 per month
Security Guard: $400–$1000 per month
Skilled Construction Worker: $400–$800 per month
Warehouse/Loader: $300–$500 per month
Which Age Groups Work More?
Young people aged 18–30 years make up 50–60 per cent of the total migrant workforce,ce and the primarily sector they work in are construction, factory, warehouse, and domestic work.
Those aged 31–45 years make up 30–40 per cent of the Indian workforce there, and they work in IT, business management and other skill-based jobs.
Israel and Jordan
Israel, Turkey, Egypt, and Jordan have relatively small Indian communities, and salaries are less competitive than in the Gulf countries. Conflict and economic instability in countries like Iran, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen have resulted in smaller numbers of Indians and limited salaries.
(With Inputs from jagran.com)