MORE than 80 per cent of Indian expatriates who committed suicide this year were victims of non-payment of wages, according to a community leader.
Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF) chairman Aruldas Thomas said the Indian Embassy was working on “a number of cases” that involved claims by its nationals that they were not being paid.
The GDN has reported on 30 expat suicides this year, of which 23 were Indians, including 14 from Kerala.
Of the six cases reported this month alone, five were Indians.
“There are many people who are victims of bad financial planning, who finally end up taking their lives,” said Mr Thomas.
“As we analyse, 80pc of the cases are victims of non-payment of wages.
“There are a lot of companies involved and we are aware that the Indian Embassy is working on a number of such cases.
“We, in the ICRF, don’t interfere in these cases, but we offer all the support and services possible to the community and the embassy.”
The GDN reported last month that authorities in Bahrain received 29 complaints of non-payment of wages in the past 18 months.
However, according to Labour and Social Development Ministry Occupational Safety head Ahmed Al Hayki, 95pc of these cases have been resolved.
The cases – 20 from last year and nine until June this year – mainly featured small companies with fewer than 500 workers.
Among the other reasons that have been identified as triggers for committing suicide were addiction to alcohol, financial stress, work issues, stressful life events, relationships, loneliness and lack of access to mental health services.
“We faced a similar situation (rise in the suicide rate) three years ago and then it was contained and was out of our mind,” added Mr Thomas.
“Of late it has become a matter of concern and it is alarming.
“Taking in the feedback, we aim to come up a workable solution and suggestions.
“We know that what we see or hear are not the only cases – there are a number of other cases that we don’t know of and there are many suicide attempts that are equally of concern.
“So it is just the tip of the iceberg and every initiative can help – be it even one person who we could reach out to, will make a difference.”
The ICRF functions under the aegis of the Indian embassy offering humanitarian assistance to needy Indians living in Bahrain.
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