HYDERABAD: For lakhs of families in Telangana, the Gulf remains a land of opportunity. But behind the steady stream of remittances lies a harsher reality — one of fragile health, mounting stress and limited access to medical care.Current estimates show that nearly 70% of migrant workers heading to the Gulf are from Telangana. An analysis for 2023-24 indicates that the state accounts for 8.1% of total remittances to India, with the bulk flowing in from Gulf countries. Yet, a study on migrant health vulnerabilities reveals a troubling picture: Nearly half of these workers lack basic access to healthcare safeguards.Data shows that 51% of emigrants do not possess health cards in the Gulf, while 49% have cards typically issued by employers. Workers with health cards largely hail from Siddipet, Vikarabad and Mahbubnagar districts, whereas those without cards are mainly from Kamareddy, Nirmal and Nizamabad. Access to hospital services is heavily dependent on these cards, the study says.Harsh conditionsKorra Vijay, associate professor at the Centre for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), who conducted the study, said health of several workers declines after prolonged exposure to harsh conditions.At a recent public hearing in Nirmal, it emerged that, on average, one migrant worker dies every day in Gulf countries, often due to heart or brain strokes, largely linked to anxiety. Many travel on tourist visas and continue working even after expiry.With rising tensions in the region because of the onoing Iran-Isreal conflict, Vjay said workers should seriously consider returning home, though the average stay abroad is around five years.Restrictive visasThe working conditions are demanding: 39% endure intense labour in extreme heat, 21% work long hours and 19% report severe stress. Others face unsafe workplaces, abuse or pollution. Nearly 96% remain stuck in the same jobs for over a decade due to restrictive contract visas and limited skills. About 76% live in employer-arranged labour camps.Migrant worker S Mallaiah’s experience captures the vulnerability. He fainted at work and had to pay for treatment himself because he had no health card. Having lost it after changing jobs, he said, “It was a minor health issue and didn’t cost much; if I faced a more serious problem, I might not be able to get admitted to the hospital, and my situation would be very different.”
