The escalating conflict between Iran and Israel has placed millions of Asian migrant workers in the Gulf region at severe risk. These laborers, who form the backbone of the Middle Eastern economy, now face life-threatening dangers from missile strikes and security instability. Governments across Asia are scrambling to repatriate citizens while balancing safety concerns with economic necessities for home nations. The situation highlights a critical vulnerability in the global labor supply chain dependent on regional stability.
Human Cost
Norma Tactacon, a 49-year-old domestic worker from the Philippines, describes the constant fear of sirens in Qatar. She earns $500 a month, which is roughly four to five times more than she would make in her home country. Despite the danger, she remains because her salary funds her children's education and future stability. Her story reflects the difficult choices faced by millions of expatriates who cannot afford to leave immediately.
"I get scared and nervous every time I see pictures and videos of missiles in the air," Tactacon told the BBC.
Casualties among migrant workers have already begun to mount as the conflict intensifies. At least 12 South Asian migrant workers have died so far as a result of the conflict, according to reports. One of the first victims was 32-year-old Filipina Mary Ann Veolasquez, who worked as a caregiver in Israel. Her injury occurred while leading a patient to safety during a ballistic missile strike on her apartment in Tel Aviv.
Another victim was Dibas Shrestha, a 29-year-old Nepali security guard who died in an Iranian strike on 1 March. His family in Nepal expressed deep concern after he initially dismissed news reports as exaggerated or misleading. He had been saving money to rebuild his parents' home after it was damaged in an earthquake in 2015. Shrestha assured his relatives it was safe before the strike claimed his life during Ramadan.
Economic Fallout
The economic impact on home countries could be significant given the reliance on remittances. Remittances account for 10% of the Philippine economy, making the safety of these workers crucial for national stability. Bangladesh relies heavily on its 14 million migrant workers, most of whom are located in the Middle East. A disruption in this flow could strain national budgets and reduce household income across the region.
Repatriation efforts are proving difficult due to disrupted travel routes and security threats. The last repatriation flight saw 234 Filipino workers travel up to eight hours by land to Saudi Arabia. Close to 2,000 Filipino workers and their dependents were flown back to Manila as of 23 March. Bangladesh has also arranged for flights departing from Bahrain to bring home its citizens.
Future Outlook
The International Labour Organisation reports that the region hosts 24 million migrant workers. Most of them come from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, the Philippines and Indonesia. Many of these workers take low paid or precarious jobs with little access to healthcare. This demographic concentration makes the region uniquely vulnerable to geopolitical shocks affecting labor markets.
For some, leaving is not an option due to instability in their countries of origin. Su Su from Myanmar found a safe home in Dubai when she left behind a country gripped by a bloody civil war that has dragged on since 2021. She keeps an emergency bag prepared in case she has to evacuate the city. Her situation illustrates the complex trade-offs between war zones and economic opportunity.
Broader implications suggest a potential shift in migration patterns if security remains poor. Wealthy Gulf states turned into targets of Iranian strikes because of the US military bases they host. Expats left in large numbers, while tourists and travellers have stayed away. This exodus could force regional governments to reconsider labor policies and security guarantees for foreign workers.
What comes next depends on the duration of the hostilities and diplomatic resolutions. Governments in Asia have been scrambling to bring migrant workers home. But the threat of missile strikes has disrupted travel to and from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Qatar. Analysts warn that prolonged conflict could permanently alter the flow of labor to the Middle East.
