Suicides by Indians in Oman on decline

Business Standard: Muscat: Wednesday, 24 September 2014.

There has been a fall in the number of suicides by Indians in Oman this year, according to Indian embassy data.

On an average, five Indians committed suicide every month in 2013, but this year till July 31, the number has come down to three, the Times of Oman reported citing the embassy figures.

"Last year, 54 Indians committed suicide in Oman, but this year till July 31, the number was 19," the embassy stated in reply to a Right to Information (RTI) Act query.

The number of suicides by Indians was between 50 and 60 in the last four years. In 2012, it was 60, in 2011 it was 54 and in 2010 it was 50.

According to the country's government data, there were 597,759 Indians working here till June-end this year, topping the expatriate numbers in Oman.

Many Indian social organisations are working in the country to lend a helping hand.

"Records show that there is a dip in the number of Indians coming to Oman and also in the labour complaints registered at the Indian embassy. However, social organisations should not sit idle. They should do more," an Indian embassy panel lawyer was quoted as saying.

The Indian embassy in Muscat has a 24x7 emergency helpline and a toll free helpline to assist Indians in distress.