Debt Main Cause of Rise in Suicide Cases Among Indian Expats: Study

dubai — Suicides by Indian expatriates in the UAE rose three-fold between the years 2003 and 2008, with 75 per cent of the deaths attributed to debts, according to statistics compiled by the Consulate-General of India in Dubai.

by

Dhanusha Gokulan

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Published: Thu 2 Oct 2008, 10:04 PM

Last updated: Sun 5 Apr 2015, 7:27 PM

The statistics indicated that there were 40 suicides by Indian expatriates in 2003, 70 in 2004, 84 in 2005, 109 in 2006 and 118 in 2007.

No such figures were available for the current year.

In 75 per cent of the cases, the cause of suicide was depression related to accumulation of debts.

Of the remaining 25 per cent, 15 per cent of suicides were a result of domestic strife and 10 per cent due to job-related stress.

Observers point out that increasing financial compulsions have driven many expatriates into a debt trap, which eventually leads to depression. Unable to stand the pressure, a few of them take the desperate step of ending their lives.

With diminishing bank balances and mounting debts, many of the desperate Indian expatriate individuals and families seek assistance from the Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust, a non-profit organisation. According to K.V. Shamsudheen, Chairman of Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust, “It is my mission to help people in need.

The spending habits of the expatriates and their dependents play a very important role in the increasing number of people falling into debt trap.”

The Pravasi Bandhu Welfare Trust educates Indian expatriates on financial planning, frugality, the dangers of debt trap and the concept of micro-saving and systematic investment.

He also appealed to all Indian organisations in the Gulf to take initiatives to encourage the employers to educate their employees on saving and financial planning in order to avoid financial crisis.

Dr Muhanned Abdul Wahid, a psychiatrist, said, “People with anxiety disorders, substance abuse and a past of psychiatric disorders are more prone to suicidal tendencies. The act of suicide could be both — planned or a split-second decision.

People from Asian countries are more prone to suicidal tendencies.

Feeling of helplessness and a fear of consequences lead people to take such a drastic decision.

Suicidal tendencies should not be ignored. If you feel that any member of your friend or family is depressed, talk to him/her and render support.”

Khaleej Times met two of the Indian expatriates who are reeling under financial strain and do not know how to break out of the vicious chain of debt repayments.

Nazeer (full name withheld on request), resident of Sharjah, said, “I have been in the UAE since 1992, and my total debts amount to Dh66,000. I lost my job and remained unemployed for five months. Now, I have a steady job and my tension has eased a little bit, but it will take a long time for me to clear my debts.”

Ahmed, (name changed on request), resident of Abu Dhabi, has been working in the UAE for 25 years. He has run up debts amounting to Dh150,000.

“I took my first credit card loan of Dh3,000 seven years back in order to clear a few debts.

“The interest multiplied over the years and now my credit card bills alone have reached Dh50,000. A major chunk of my monthy salary of Dh4,600 goes to repay loans. Whatever little is remaining, I send to my family back home,” said Ahmed.

“I think I will have to continue working here till my debts are cleared, no matter how long it takes,” he said with an air of resignation.

dhanusha@khaleejtimes.com


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