Dubai: An Indian expatriate commits suicide almost every third day of the year, fresh official figures show.
More than 110 Indians committed suicide last year in Dubai and the northern emirates and another 27 killed themselves this year, the Indian consulate disclosed Monday.
"The number of Indians who committed suicide last year stands at 110. This year there have been 27 such deaths so far," Sanjay Verma, Consul General, said.
In 2008, out of 1,420 deaths registered at the consulate, 147 were suicides. In 2009, out of 1,285 deaths 113 were suicides. In 2010, out of 1,114 deaths 110 were suicides and in 2011 until April 30, 335 deaths were recorded of which 27 were suicides.
Verma said the reasons behind suicides fall into two categories — financial stress and personal issues such as low self-esteem, depression, interpersonal issues etc.
"The high suicide rate is a recent trend and is an alarming one," an official who asked not to be named told Gulf News.
A government doctor, who declined to be named, said that a high proportion of suicide cases here involve Indians, ‘probably the highest among all nationalities'.
Besides the high number of Indian expatriates, the reason for higher number of suicides could be the lack of someone to confide in. "Many of the victims are people who are living away from their family and relatives, which leads to loneliness and stress."
.The Indian diplomatic missions in the UAE established the Indian Workers Resource Centre (IWRC) in Dubai last November and launched a 24-hour hotline to extend help to expatriates in need.
"We urge expatriates to reach out to us through the hotline 800 INDIA (800 46342)," an IWRC official said.
