An estimated 50,000 to 150,000 Indian workers have returned from the Gulf - mainly UAE - due to economic slowdown in the region, an Indian minister said.

Replying to a question, Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi told the lower house of the Indian Parliament that the workers were mostly  from the construction sector, a report said.

Ravi said most workers have returned on leave without pay with the expectation that they would be able to go back soon.

Ravi said Indian missions in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain and Qatar have also reported job losses for Indians in these countries, while some Indians have returned from Malaysia due to economic slowdown.

Replying to a separate question, Ravi said the government has already strengthened the Indian embassies in the US and UAE by posting counsellers to assist Indian workers.