Indian Expats Protest Frozen Wages and Visa Cancellations
Indian workers in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are protesting unpaid wages, long hours, and sudden visa cancellations via social media.
A wave of digital protests has swept through social media as Indian expatriates in Saudi Arabia and the UAE raise alarms over unpaid salaries, grueling work hours, and sudden visa cancellations.
On November 6 and 7, 2026, workers—primarily house drivers and low-skilled laborers—utilized the platform X to call for immediate assistance from the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. The protesters, hailing from Indian states including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, and Rajasthan, are highlighting a growing sense of insecurity regarding their livelihoods and legal status in the Gulf.
Stagnant Wages and Exhausting Shifts
The workers reported significant financial strain, noting that monthly wages often remain stagnant between SAR 1,000 and 2,500 (approximately Rs 22,000 to 55,000). These earnings are reportedly earned through intense 12 to 16-hour shifts, leaving many struggling to support their families back home.
The Crisis of Sudden Deportation
Beyond low pay, a critical issue facing these expatriates is the abrupt termination of residency visas. Workers have described harrowing experiences where companies shutter operations, leading to:
- Immediate visa cancellations without prior notice.
- Deportation without the settlement of outstanding salaries.
- A lack of provided travel arrangements.
Under the Kafala system, many workers reported facing restrictions such as passport control and requirements to be available 24 hours a day, which limits their ability to seek better employment or legal recourse.
Policy Shifts and Enforcement Gaps
The grievances extend to the broader economic shifts in the region. In the UAE, workers have cited labor extortion and job displacement linked to Emiratisation policies. In Saudi Arabia, similar concerns regarding Saudization have emerged.
While regulatory frameworks like the Mudad system in Saudi Arabia and the Wage Protection System (WPS) in the UAE are designed to safeguard workers, many laborers claim there are significant enforcement gaps that leave them vulnerable to exploitation.
Financial Pressure Mounts in India
The instability is being compounded by rising costs in India. On November 7, 2026, the Kerala High Court ordered NORKA to review a massive hike in insurance premiums. For families of Gulf-based workers, the cost of the NORKA Care insurance plan has surged by 166% to 233%.
A family coverage plan that previously cost Rs 13,411 has now jumped to a range of Rs 35,664 to Rs 44,718, depending on the age of the insured, adding further financial weight to migrant families.
Official Guidance for Workers
Authorities advise expatriates facing these issues to:
- Maintain all original contract documentation.
- Contact the Saudi Embassy helpline at 800 247 1234.
- Pursue legal action through local labor courts.
However, many workers remain skeptical, noting that legal processes can be difficult to navigate once a visa has already been revoked.