Rising suicide cases among Nepalese cause for concern

Dubai: Seven Nepalese committed suicide this year in the UAE, and more than a dozen died of heart attacks, according to government statistics.

Madhudan Pautel, Charge d'affaires at Nepal's Embassy said there was no detailed information on why 13 Nepalese expatriates died of cardiac arrest, or why another seven committed suicide, but said it was a "concern."

UAE government statistics from January to November, given to the Nepalese Embassy, showed 30 Nepalese expatriates died this year.

Thirteen died of cardiac arrest, seven in road accidents, seven committed suicide, one died in a labour accident and two from unknown reasons. Pautel estimated about 70,000 Nepal-ese live in the UAE.

"Many come to the UAE on a visit visa. They don't find jobs, get depressed and commit suicide."

He said illegal recruitment agencies operating between Nepal and the UAE were part of the problem. They promised jobs faster than recognised agencies, and charged more about Dh5,000.

"Sometimes illegal recruitment agencies send workers to the UAE," Pautel said, then try sell their Nepalese workers to companies.

"Companies prefer that," because it was cheaper and faster than official routes.

If the agencies failed, expatriates were left indebted and unemployed, and more likely to commit suicide, Pautel said.

He said when workers complained, embassy officials had powers to close illegal agencies in Nepal and compensate workers.

But workers rarely complain. "Many Nepalese are in debt and won't complain ? unless their employer exploits them in an extreme way."