In a shocking revelation that serves as a definitive indicator of poor work conditions for migrant labour in Qatar as much as it establishes the nonchalance of the Indian government, official documents confirm that more than 500 Indian workers have lost their lives in the Gulf nation in past two years as it getting ready to host the upcoming FIFA World Cup in 2022.
The records further reveal that the death toll of migrant Indian labour in Qatar since 2010- the year when the Arab emirate was accorded the right to host the marquee soccer event- stands at over 700.
Documents show 233 Indian migrants lost their lives in 2010, 239 in 2011, 237 in Qatar in 2012, and 241 Indians perished last year. A further 24 Indian nationals died in the country in January alone.
The death toll of Indians in Qatar over last four years stands at 974 - 717 of those since FIFA announced the World Cup would be held there in 2022.
Earlier, the Guardian newspaper had reported the death of 382 migrant Nepalese workers in past two years. While the Indian embassy could not confirm the cause of death of its citizens in Qatar, Nepalese workers have died due to sudden heart failure and workplace accidents.
Following the revelations about the number of Nepalese deaths, the Qatar 2022 Supreme Committee said while construction directly related to the World Cup had yet to start, it was committed to providing proper treatment for workers.
A hearing at the European parliament last week heard representations from human rights groups, FIFA and other parties, after a resolution was passed last year calling for action on the issue.
Critics have called for an overhaul of the kafala system, which ties workers to their employers, and closer control of the construction companies involved.
The International Trade Union Confederation has warned up to 4,000 workers could die before the tournament kicks off in 2022 if nothing is done, while Amnesty International late last year revealed workers being forced to endure 12-hour days.
The migrant labour, who come majorly from India, Nepal, Pakistan, Iran, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Egypt, are made to work in searing temperatures with squalid, overcrowded living quarters.
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