Health of Migrant Workers; A Matter Of Concern

Over the past few decades, mobility of people around the world has been incrementing, from about 82 million in 1970 to 200 million in 2005. It customarily transpires to both developed (which is the majority, 60%) and developing countries for a more preponderant life opportunity. The most astronomically immense migrants were found to settle, in Europe followed by Asia and North America. In 2000, the European countries received 56.1 million migrants, Asia 49.9 million, North America 40.8 million and Africa 16.3 million. The Middle East, and in particular the Gulf countries (GCC) have had a tremendous influx of migrant workers (around 16 million, the majority, over 80%, were from Asia) due to its rapid development as reflected by marked increase in oil revenue. It is reported that over the past 10 years almost seven out of every ten members of the workforce in the GCC were foreigners. Health issues impacting migrant workers are intricate and numerous, especially, when some host countries perceive these workers as exploitable, frugal and flexible labor. Despite that most of them work in 3D jobs; Dirty, Dangerous and Degrading. They usually have poor living and safety conditions and the prominent consequential factor leading to their health disparities is the cultural differences affecting their health care seeking patterns, perception of health and compliance with treatment. In this review article the health quandaries of the migrant worker in the GCC countries and factors playing in worsening those conditions, are elaborated. Withal we endeavor to find how to compact such health issues for the benefit of both the workers and the nation.