In December 2019, the Odisha Labour Commissioner contacted the UAE Ministry of External Affairs over a case of labour abuse brought by five workers from Odisha.

The five Indian construction workers had been employed by Houston Marine Services. They allege delayed salaries, mistreatment by the employer, and did not have sufficient food or shelter. The men's visas were due to expire mid December.

Busniess & Human Rights Resource Centre contacted Houston Marine Services to invite them to respond to the allegations. They did not respond.