AN average of one person a week has committed suicide in Bahrain since the start of the year, leading to speculation that economic uncertainty set against a background of unrest is helping drive up the number of people taking their own lives.

On Friday, a Bangladeshi man became the 40th person known to have committed suicide since January 1 and social workers say they are alarmed by the “tremendous” surge in cases this year.

The overwhelming majority are Asian expats, particularly Indians, and volunteers admit they are still trying to get to the bottom of what is driving more and more people to give up on life.

They suspect non-payment of salaries, which the Indian Community Relief Fund (ICRF) says has increased significantly over the past 18 months, is a factor.

“The figures have increased tremendously, definitely,” Migrant Workers Protection Society (MWPS) chairwoman Marietta Dias told the GDN.

Since the start of the year, 24 Indians, six Bangladeshis, three Bahrainis, two Pakistanis, two Russians, a Nepali, an Indonesian woman and a Dutchman have committed suicide.

Thirty-six of those hanged themselves, while three jumped from apartment buildings and one set herself on fire.

Suicides among Indians in Bahrain have more than doubled this year, compared to figures for last year and 2010, and Ms Dias speculated non-payment of salaries and other financial pressures were to blame.

“We don’t know why for certain,” said Ms Dias.

“But we presume it’s because of financial difficulty. Many troubled migrant workers who come in to speak to us discuss not being paid their wages for several months at a time.”

The GDN previously reported that loan sharks were preying on vulnerable expats, who travel to Bahrain for a better life but can end up surviving on as little as BD2 a day – often living in dangerous buildings that are fire traps.

“The average salary these workers get is usually between BD80 and BD90,” said Ms Dias.

“The lowest salary that we hear consistently is about BD60, but the most ridiculous one I’ve ever heard was recently at a labour camp – where workers said they received just BD34 a month.

“They said they were told their accommodation was paid for, but most workers have accommodation in camps (provided by their employers).”

However, she said even those earning the bare minimum rarely complained as long as they were being paid on time.

“Many workers will not complain about the amount of their salary as long as they’re being paid and have a job,” explained Ms Dias.

“Their complaints are usually when they’re not paid.

“The problem is these workers don’t have contracts. They often don’t know what salary they’ll be getting and they’re not protected or rewarded with incremental annual increases.”

As a result of low salaries and non-payment of wages, workers borrow money from loan sharks who charge massive interest – plunging them into a debt spiral.

Survive

They do this either to survive or to continue sending money home to their families, who often have no idea that their relative in Bahrain is facing financial difficulties.

“These loan sharks charge 10 per cent interest a month on these loans,” revealed Ms Dias, who described them as almost impossible to pay off – particularly when salaries are withheld by employers.

However, she added companies had a responsibility to pay their staff no matter how much they were struggling – either as a result of global financial problems, regional uncertainty or domestic issues in Bahrain.

“These workers need to survive,” said Ms Dias.

“They are not being paid enough to begin with. If your company is struggling, it is not enough of a reason to stop paying salaries altogether for months on end. They (employees) should be at least given something.”

Bahrain’s suicide problem became so bad this year that volunteers working under the umbrella of the Indian Embassy launched a second hotline to offer support, advice and counselling to people facing difficulties or considering taking their own lives.

Both hotlines are operated by the Indian Community Relief Fund, which said the 24 Indian suicides so far this year was a dramatic increase compared to 11 in 2010 and again in 2011.

The organisation’s chairman, John Iype, said people facing financial difficulties often did not realise the options available to them – which is why they committed suicide.

“One of the most frequent complaints we get is that sponsors are withholding three to four months’ salary,” he said.

“This has been happening more frequently over the last 15-18 months.”

Mr Iype said the organisation would do whatever it could to help those in distress and appealed to those considering suicide to reconsider.

“Please, please contact us,” he said.

“We will at least listen to your complaints and wherever we can help you, we’ll help.”

He agreed that loan sharks were only making matters worse, sometimes attacking the families of borrowers in India if they had missed repayments in Bahrain.

“These loan sharks will do anything to extract payment,” he said.

“They have the addresses of family homes in India and will attack their families.”

Pressure from relatives can also be a factor forcing them to take their own lives.

“Workers frequently face a lot of pressure from India to produce sums of cash every month,” explained Mr Iype.

“When he comes to Bahrain he is saddled with expectations. He gets letters from home asking when he’ll get money and constantly asking for things.”

Anyone thinking of taking their life or is in severe distress is urged to contact the suicide hotlines on 39523969 or 39010782.

“If a person has a chance to discuss his problems, I’m sure we can save a lot of lives,” added Mr Iype.
laala@gdn.com.bh
aneeqa@gdn.com.bh