India raises with UAE issue of Indians affected by Dubai Iranian hospital closure

India has raised concerns with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) regarding the impact of the closure of an Iranian hospital in Dubai on over 130 Indian nationals, according to a statement made by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh during a session of the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. The issue came up in response to a query from Kerala Congress (M) legislator Jose K Mani, who asked whether the government had taken steps to address visa restrictions affecting former employees of the hospital, many of whom are healthcare professionals from Kerala. The government confirmed its awareness of the challenges faced by these individuals, noting that the closure of the hospital led to the imposition of visa restrictions on those who had worked there. Singh stated that the matter had been communicated to the UAE authorities through diplomatic channels, though specific details of the UAE’s response were not disclosed. He emphasized that decisions concerning visas fall under the sovereign authority of each nation, highlighting the limitations of India's ability to directly intervene in such matters. The affected group includes a significant number of medical personnel, primarily from the state of Kerala, which has long maintained strong ties with the Middle East through its diaspora community. These workers had previously been employed at the Iranian hospital located in Dubai, which reportedly closed following administrative decisions made by local authorities. The sudden closure disrupted their employment status and led to complications in maintaining their residency permits and work visas. The Indian government has assured that its missions and consulates in the UAE have been actively engaging with the affected citizens to provide support. This includes facilitating communication, offering guidance on legal procedures, and ensuring access to necessary services. However, the exact nature and extent of this assistance remain unclear, as the government has not released detailed information on the measures taken. The situation underscores broader issues surrounding the treatment of foreign workers in the Gulf region, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, where international labor mobility plays a crucial role. Many Indian expatriates in the UAE rely on temporary work visas, which can be subject to change based on local policies and economic conditions. The closure of the hospital appears to have triggered a chain reaction, leading to the revocation of certain privileges and complicating the lives of those who had built careers in the region. While the Indian government has expressed concern for the welfare of its nationals abroad, the matter remains largely unresolved. The lack of transparency regarding the UAE’s stance and the absence of a formal resolution suggest that further diplomatic engagement will be necessary. It is anticipated that discussions will continue between the two nations, with the aim of finding a mutually acceptable solution that respects both national sovereignty and the rights of Indian citizens.