A food delivery worker from Hyderabad tragically died in Riyadh while rushing to deliver an Iftar package. The accident happened on March 18 when 33-year-old Mohammed Maqsood Hussain’s motorcycle collided with another vehicle. He suffered severe injuries and died on the spot.
Hussain, a resident of Jahanuma in Hyderabad, was working as a delivery executive for a well-known food delivery service through a subcontractor in Riyadh. His body is expected to be sent back to India soon.
Dangers in the Food Delivery Industry
The food delivery industry in Gulf countries is growing rapidly, attracting thousands of young workers from South Asian nations, including India. However, many of these workers face risky conditions, low wages, and tough working environments.
Like many others, Hussain had traveled to Saudi Arabia hoping to work for a reputed company. However, he was not hired directly but through a subcontractor. This meant he had limited job security and often faced work-related challenges.
According to Abdul Jabbar, a social worker in Riyadh, many delivery workers from Hyderabad are stuck in Saudi Arabia due to job-related issues. He explained that contract restrictions make it difficult for workers to leave their jobs and return home.
Many of these workers are employed by subcontracting firms that provide services for popular food delivery apps. Often, they are hired without proper job contracts or visa verification, putting them in vulnerable positions.
Hussain’s unfortunate death highlights the growing concerns about the safety and rights of food delivery workers in foreign countries, especially those working in dangerous conditions.