The ongoing war involving Iran is sending shockwaves across the Gulf, leaving millions of Bangladeshi expatriates caught between shrinking jobs, rising living costs and growing fear.
From the United Arab Emirates to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain, workers say the conflict has quickly moved beyond geopolitics into their daily survival.
“Half salary, forced leave”: Jobs vanish overnight
For many expatriates, the first blow has been economic.
Saiful Islam, who works at a signage company in the UAE, described how the crisis hit without warning.
“They have paid half the salary for the month of March. The company is making the excuse of war. They have suddenly dropped many others along with us, and are giving me compulsory leave,” he said.
With expenses climbing, uncertainty is growing.
“The prices of goods here are high, and expenses have increased. Meanwhile, the ticket prices are high – if I go on vacation, I don't know what to do. There is also a fear that the company will suddenly terminate me.”
He added that layoffs are spreading across companies.
“Many people have also lost their jobs in Don and Al Rowba companies in Dubai. Everyone who has lost their jobs is looking for work. In such unrest, it is impossible to stay outside the house for long.”
Noor Nabi, another expatriate in the UAE, pointed to a wider economic slowdown triggered by the war.
“Many companies that conduct business in six Gulf countries, including Saudi Arabia, have been affected by the war. The transport of goods from one Gulf country to another has almost stopped,” he said.
“As a result, many workers are losing their jobs or are being forced to lay off. The salaries of employees in many companies have been cut by half.”
In Kuwait, the impact is visible in everyday life. Pias Hasan said: “The owners of many hotels in the city are citizens of Singapore or Malaysia. Fearing war, they have left Kuwait and gone to their own countries. As a result, food supply in many hotels has stopped.”
Informal workers in deepest crisis
Those without stable contracts or valid permits are facing the harshest reality.
Mamunur Rashid, a day labourer in Dubai, said the war has wiped out his livelihood.
“I came here last year. I work as a daily wage labourer in different places at different times. But now I am unable to find work due to the war,” he said.
“I don't even have money to get an Iqama. If I don't get an Iqama within three months, I will become illegal. In this situation, I can't even go home. Those who are in the company are a little better off than us.”
He described a growing humanitarian strain among workers.
“Suddenly, many flights are being stopped. People don't have money to rent a room, and they don't have money to eat. They are spending their days lying down. I will also try to return home within a week.”
Prices soar, return becomes harder
As the war disrupts supply chains and transport routes, the cost of living has surged across the Gulf. Workers say essentials that once cost “one” now cost “three,” while rent and daily expenses have jumped sharply.
At the same time, air ticket prices have risen steeply due to flight disruptions, leaving many stranded even if they want to return home.
According to the Bureau of Manpower Employment and Training, more than 9,19,000 Bangladeshi workers went to these six Gulf countries in 2025, with another 1,57,981 receiving clearance in the first three months of this year. Officials estimate over six million Bangladeshis are currently working in the region.
Sirens, alerts and constant fear
Beyond economic hardship, the war has introduced a new psychological toll.
Mamunur Rashid described how fear now shapes daily life.
“The UAE administration sends SMS to everyone's mobile phones. Whenever a missile or rocket enters the country's airspace, our mobile phone sirens sound. I get very scared. If anyone is outside, they run away.”
In Qatar, Yasin Hamid echoed the anxiety.
“I work in the aluminium sector. There are no attacks every day. Sometimes missiles come several times a day. Every expatriate gets alert messages on their mobile,” he said.
“It's scary when he's outside. Although there is some comfort while working in a shop or at home, he has to be in panic while walking on the streets.”
Fear of arrest adds to anxiety
Expatriates say fear is not limited to the battlefield.
Noor Nabi said many are now avoiding social media altogether.
“Many are being arrested and fined for sharing war-related videos or information. We don't make any videos, take pictures, or even discuss these things over the phone or SMS out of fear,” he said.
“Many have already been sent back to the country. The situation may get worse in the future.”
Mounting pressure, uncertain future
When contacted, Hedayetul Islam Mandal, Deputy Secretary at the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, told Jago News that the authorities have not yet received any confirmed information regarding the arrest. “We don’t know anything for sure at this moment. If the High Commission receives any information, it will inform us,” he said.
Immigration expert Asif Muneir said the ongoing Middle East crisis may not be permanent, but its implications cannot be ignored. “It appears to be a temporary situation, but we must treat it with utmost importance. Otherwise, both new overseas employment and the status of existing workers could be at risk,” he said, adding that there are already reports of some workers returning home.
He further noted that such instability in the Middle East recurs periodically, and since a large portion of Bangladeshi migrant workers are based there, long-term planning is essential. “We need to diversify our labour markets by focusing more on Europe, Asia and other stable destinations. Exploring alternatives is now crucial,” he added.
Shakirul Islam, chairman of the Migrant Workers Development Program (OKAP), stressed the need for active monitoring by Bangladesh missions abroad. He said the High Commission should closely track issues such as layoffs, unpaid salaries and other benefits.
“The High Commission is the most trusted place for our migrant workers. In this situation, maximum support must be ensured. We must recognise the importance of remittances and stand by expatriate workers. If anyone faces irregular employment or salary-related problems, the High Commission must intervene and monitor the matter closely,” he added.