The UAE is a popular destination for skilled Indian workers, and for good reason. According to a report by Huntr, there has been a 25% increase in demand for skilled Indian migrant workers in the UAE. In 2022, Indian migrant workers in the UAE sent home about $100 billion, contributing significantly to the Indian economy and playing a crucial role in the development of rural areas and families.
The industries in the UAE, along with the rapid development of infrastructure projects, require skilled labor. Sectors such as healthcare, technology, construction, logistics, and manufacturing heavily rely on skilled Indian blue-collar workers, with a 20-25% surge in demand for skilled workers in the past year. The rapid urbanization and the widespread adoption of technology have further increased this demand.
The rising demand has led non-skilled workers to actively upskill themselves, taking advantage of government opportunities such as the National Qualification Authority (NQA), Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs, and the NAFIS program. These upskilling programs empower migrant workers by equipping them with essential skills, which they can then transfer back home, contributing to the growth of the Indian economy.
The diverse and skilled workforce in the UAE has led to sustainable practices, compliance with safety requirements, and environmental standards, ensuring the long-term sustainability of the labor market.
The majority of migrant skilled workers in the UAE come from Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, and Madhya Pradesh.
Huntr, a blue-collar worker marketplace based in the UAE, connects migrant workers with enterprises that require their services. The report was based on quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews of about one lakh skilled migrant blue-collar workers enrolled with Huntr and aimed to examine the migration patterns and upskilling initiatives of skilled and unskilled Indian workers in the MENA region, with a special focus on the United Arab Emirates.
