Millions of Asian migrant workers in Gulf at risk as war with Iran rages on
South China Morning Post
by BloombergMarch 2, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Millions of Asian migrant workers in the Gulf face heightened risks due to escalating tensions between Iran and the US following the targeted killing of Iran's supreme leader. These workers, primarily from countries like the Philippines, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh, form the backbone of critical sectors such as healthcare, construction, and domestic services in the Middle East. With an estimated 24 million migrant laborers in the region, their safety and well-being are now under serious threat as Iran retaliates against US-Israeli strikes.
Southeast and South Asian nations have expressed growing concern over the situation, urging their citizens in the Gulf to remain indoors and monitor developments closely. The Philippines, Indonesia, Thailand, and Pakistan have all issued statements regarding evacuation plans and repatriation efforts should the conflict intensify. Vietnam has even suspended sending workers to the Middle East amid fears of prolonged instability.
Bangladesh has reported that its nationals are stranded due to closed airspace, complicating their ability to return home or find safe passage. The situation highlights the vulnerability of migrant workers in conflict zones and underscores the need for coordinated international efforts to protect their rights and safety. This crisis not only affects individual workers but also threatens the stability of Gulf economies reliant on their labor force.
The broader implications of this unfolding drama extend beyond immediate safety concerns, raising questions about the future of international labor migration and the responsibilities of host countries in times of conflict. As tensions persist, the global community must remain vigilant to ensure that these workers receive the support and protection they need.
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 3/2/2026