Archive · 10 Dec 2025
518 Odisha migrant workers died outside state
A minister in Odisha, India, told the state's assembly that 518 migrant workers from Odisha have died while working outside the state or abroad between 2021 and November 2025.
Out of these, the bodies of 395 workers were brought back to their homes.
The district with the most deaths is Kalahandi, with 60 workers losing their lives.
Additionally, 1,107 contractors were given licenses in 2025 to help 70,360 workers move to other states for jobs.
The reasons for the deaths were not specified.
518 migrant workers from Odisha died while working outside the state or abroad between 2021 and November 2025.
395 of these workers' remains were brought back to their native places.
Kalahandi district reported the highest number of deaths at 60, followed by Berhampur in Ganjam district with 56.
1,107 contractors were issued licenses in 2025, facilitating the migration of 70,360 workers to other states.
The minister provided this information in response to a written question in the Odisha Assembly.
- Who
- Migrant workers from Odisha
- What
- 518 deaths reported
- When
- Between 2021 and November 2025
- Where
- Outside Odisha and abroad
- Why
- Working conditions or unspecified reasons
- Total deaths
- 518
- Deaths with remains brought back
- 395
- Highest deaths district
- Kalahandi (60)
- Licensed contractors in 2025
- 1,107
- Workers migrated to other states
- 70,360