Indian Expats in Saudi Arabia Face Salary and Security Crisis
Indian expats in Saudi Arabia face unpaid wages and sudden visa cancellations alongside major security warnings from the Saudi Civil Defence.
Indian expats in Saudi Arabia are currently navigating a volatile combination of financial instability and sudden security warnings across the Kingdom.
Laborers Report Unpaid Wages and Visa Cancellations
On November 6 and 7, 2026, workers from several Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, and Rajasthan, used social media to appeal to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh for assistance. The workers are reporting severe financial hardship, with monthly wages ranging from SAR 1,000 to SAR 2,500 for shifts lasting between 12 and 16 hours.
The crisis is being compounded by the sudden closure of various companies, which has resulted in:
- Immediate Iqama and visa cancellations without prior notice.
- Workers being left stranded and facing the threat of deportation.
- Lengthy bureaucratic delays, with final-exit processing often taking more than a month.
While the Indian Embassy maintains a referral wage of SR 3,000 for drivers, many employees state that actual market rates are much lower. Additionally, although employment contracts are required to be uploaded to the Musaned portal, workers claim enforcement remains weak.
Civil Defence Issues Security Alerts
In a separate but equally distressing development, the Saudi Civil Defence activated the National Early Warning Platform in Riyadh and the Eastern Province on November 8, 2026. This followed reports of loud booms and potential damage to an Aramco tower in the King Abdullah Financial District (KAFD).
During the alert, residents were instructed to remain indoors and avoid windows or rooftops. While the immediate danger was declared to have passed, the incident has underscored ongoing security concerns in the region. The Indian Embassy has urged its citizens to strictly follow all local security directives.
Rising Costs and Regional Instability
The financial strain extends back to India, where families of expatriates are struggling with rising insurance costs. For example, NORKA insurance premiums in Kerala have recently seen massive hikes of between 166% and 233% following recent mandates.
The combination of unpaid labor, visa instability, and regional security threats continues to impact the lives of many. For those facing urgent medical emergencies, the Indian Embassy has requested that documentation be submitted to [email protected].