Struggles of Indian Migrant Workers in Kuwait Amid Housing Crisis

Struggles of Indian Migrant Workers in Kuwait

On a blistering summer afternoon in Kuwait, with temperatures climbing over 110 degrees Fahrenheit, four Indian migrant workers found themselves standing alongside a dusty road, their lives packed into worn-out bags. Among them was Suresh Kumar, 52, who, along with his roommates, had just faced eviction as local authorities conducted sweeping inspections for building code violations following a tragic fire in June that claimed the lives of 49 migrant workers, the overwhelming majority of whom were Indian.

The four men shared a cramped 172-square-foot room on the ground floor of an aging apartment building, a location now deemed unsafe and against regulations. With the owner set to demolish their room in compliance with these new codes, they were left homeless and uncertain about where to turn next.

Kuwait, strategically located along the Persian Gulf, boasts one of the highest per capita incomes in the world, supported by a staggering $980 billion sovereign fund derived from its vast oil reserves. Yet, this immense wealth remains largely out of reach for migrant workers like Mr. Kumar and his companions, who frequently find themselves grappling with substandard housing conditions and meager wages, coupled with limited avenues for legal recourse.

All four men were employed as construction workers, subcontracted for various projects under Kuwait’s state oil company and refinery. They reported that their collective rent of approximately $325 was a stretch, and the prospect of affording an entire apartment was daunting, as it would exceed double that amount. Consequently, they resigned themselves to the likelihood of having to find another shared room, fully aware that there was no assurance it would offer any greater safety or comfort than their previous dwelling.

The high casualty count from the June fire, which engulfed a seven-story building housing nearly 200 migrant workers, sent shockwaves through the nation. The devastating incident prompted a rare public discourse on the perilous living conditions faced by migrant laborers, leading to a comprehensive inspection campaign aimed at enforcing building safety regulations.

The aftermath of the fire served as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities faced by those who come to Kuwait seeking better opportunities, often at great personal risk.