India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh are common labor pools that many Mid East nations draw upon for physical laborers. It isn't just Dubai, though they are among the most egregious; you'll see these arrangements in nations like Saudi Arabia as well, even though it is not nearly as well-publicized.

It's not just middle eastern countries.

Many developed countries in Asia (eg Singapore) use foreign labor for jobs that "no Singaporean would do". This includes jobs like construction.

Unlike the U.S., these foreign workers are truly 2nd class citizens. Often passports are confiscated, and the idea that they'd ever start a life or family in their host country is completely off the table.

It is official policy that they can be paid less than local workers for the same job, and have far fewer legal protections.

I don't think it's black and white though. Many of these foreign workers would be worse off in their home country.

It still rubs me the wrong way. For all its flaws, I still like the U.S. System better.

Probably India or Pakistan, common sources of Dubai slave labor.

I'm guessing India because of the karma comment. What here in HN is a number on your profile, there it is a promise of a better future (but maybe in the next life).

Karma is also an explanation/justification of why your current life isn't so good - you're making amends for something bad you did in a previous life.

A rationalization.

A false promise.