Prime Minister visits Labour Camp in Kuwait

As the first program of his visit to Kuwait, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited a labour camp in Mina Abdullah area of Kuwait with a workforce of around 1500 Indian nationals. Prime Minister interacted with a cross-section of Indian workers from different States of India and enquired about their well-being.

The visit to the labour camp is symbolic of the importance attached by the Prime Minister to the welfare of Indian workers abroad. In the last few years, the Government has undertaken several technology-based initiatives such as E-Migrate portal, MADAD portal and upgraded Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana for the welfare of Indian workers abroad.

Prime Minister Modi Visits Labour Camp in Kuwait, Highlights Welfare of Indian Workers

KUWAIT : Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited a labour camp in Mina Abdullah, Kuwait, marking the first engagement of his historic visit to the Gulf nation. The visit was described by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) as a testament to the Indian government’s commitment to the welfare of its workers abroad. This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years, following an invitation from Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

During his visit to the labour camp, which houses approximately 1,500 Indian nationals, Modi interacted with workers from various Indian states, inquired about their well-being, and shared light moments, including sitting at a table with some workers while snacks were served. According to the MEA, the visit aimed to highlight the Indian government’s priority on the welfare of its overseas workforce.

The visit holds special significance, coming months after a tragic fire in Kuwait’s Mangaf locality in June that claimed the lives of over 45 Indian workers. Reflecting on the incident, the MEA stated, “The visit to the labour camp symbolizes the Prime Minister’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of Indian workers abroad.” The ministry further highlighted several welfare initiatives by the government, such as the e-Migrate portal, the MADAD platform for grievances, and the upgraded Pravasi Bharatiya Bima Yojana.

The MEA also shared photographs of Modi’s interaction on its social media platform X, reiterating that this engagement underscored the importance India places on the welfare of its expatriate workers.

The Indian community in Kuwait is the largest expatriate group in the country, constituting approximately 21% of Kuwait’s population (1 million people) and nearly 30% of its workforce. Indian workers dominate both the private and domestic sectors, according to the Indian Embassy in Kuwait.

Kuwait is a crucial trading partner for India, with bilateral trade valued at USD 10.47 billion in the financial year 2023-24. The Gulf nation is India’s sixth-largest supplier of crude oil, fulfilling three percent of India’s energy requirements. Indian exports to Kuwait crossed USD 2 billion for the first time, and investments from the Kuwait Investment Authority in India now exceed USD 10 billion.

India and Kuwait have long enjoyed friendly relations, rooted in maritime trade links that predate Kuwait’s oil economy. On this foundation, the two countries continue to deepen their ties across economic and cultural fronts.

The MEA’s statement ahead of the visit emphasized the significance of these historical ties and highlighted India’s ongoing engagement with Kuwait as a valued partner in the Gulf region. Modi’s visit not only reinforces this partnership but also demonstrates his personal commitment to enhancing the lives of Indian workers abroad, fostering a sense of belonging and security among the expatriate community.