India Takes Up Concerns Of Citizens Affected By Dubai Iranian Hospital Closure With UAE

The Indian government has raised with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) the concerns of more than 130 Indian nationals affected by the closure of an Iranian hospital in Dubai, Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday. Responding to a question in the Upper House, Singh said the government was aware of the difficulties faced by Indian employees who were working at the Iranian hospital following the decision by local authorities to shut down the facility. He said the matter had been taken up with UAE authorities through diplomatic channels.

“The government is aware of the issues faced by over 130 Indian nationals who were working in an Iranian hospital in Dubai due to the decision taken by the local government to close the facility,” Singh said in a written reply. The minister, however, did not provide details about the response received from UAE authorities. He added that decisions related to visas and immigration fall under the sovereign jurisdiction of individual countries. “However, it is to be noted that a decision in matters related to visa falls within the sovereign jurisdiction of any country,” Singh said, highlighting the limitations of diplomatic intervention in such matters.

The closure of the hospital has reportedly affected the employment and residency status of several Indian professionals working at the facility. Many Indian nationals employed in healthcare institutions abroad depend on valid work permits and visas linked to their employment. Singh said the Indian government gives priority to the welfare and safety of Indian citizens living and working overseas. He added that the Indian mission and consulate in the UAE have been actively engaging with the affected individuals and providing necessary assistance.

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Indian diplomatic missions regularly assist citizens facing employment, legal or immigration-related difficulties in foreign countries. Such support includes coordination with local authorities, guidance on documentation issues and facilitating communication between affected workers and relevant agencies. The issue comes amid growing concerns over the challenges faced by Indian workers abroad due to sudden changes in employment conditions, company closures or regulatory decisions by host countries.

The External Affairs Ministry has assured that Indian officials in the UAE will continue to monitor the situation and extend support to the affected nationals. Further developments are expected based on discussions between Indian representatives and UAE authorities. India has one of the world’s largest overseas communities, with millions of citizens working across sectors including healthcare, construction, technology and services. The government has repeatedly emphasised protecting the interests of Indian workers abroad through diplomatic engagement and welfare initiatives.

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