Bangladeshi migrant workers face a growing crisis across the Middle East amid regional tensions

More than 10 million Bangladeshi migrant workers living across the Middle East are facing mounting uncertainty as escalating regional tensions disrupt jobs, travel, and remittance flows, according to community leaders and officials.

Bangladeshi expatriates in countries including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Qatar, Lebanon, Oman and Bahrain say they are struggling with job losses, delayed salaries, flight suspensions, and growing insecurity as conflict fears ripple across the region.

Community representatives describe the situation as a ‘multi-layered crisis’ affecting workers’ livelihoods and their ability to support families back home.

Workers say the tensions have begun to affect daily life and the flow of remittances- a vital pillar of Bangladesh’s economy.

A.K.M. Azad, a Bangladeshi community representative working in Kuwait’s financial sector, said many migrants were living under constant anxiety.

‘People are scared. Sirens, uncertainty, and rumours of attacks have made everyone nervous,’ he said.

According to Azad, remittance transfers have slowed as some workers face salary delays or reduced income. He recalled a conversation between a Bangladeshi worker and his daughter back home in Bangladesh.

‘She asked her father if he would send money to buy clothes for Eid,’ Azad said. He couldn’t answer immediately. He just said, ‘Yes, I will send it.’ Many workers are struggling to support their families right now.’

Some migrants say they have lost employment entirely, while others continue working without receiving regular pay.

Jalal Uddin, a Bangladeshi construction worker in Kuwait, said he last received his salary in late February.

‘I’m still working every day, but I haven’t been paid again,’ he said. ‘I’m not sure if I will receive anything before Eid.’

Workers say the uncertainty is spreading across several Gulf countries as businesses slow operations and international travel becomes more complicated.

Flight disruptions have also left many Bangladeshis stranded. Several workers who had planned to return home said they purchased tickets but were unable to travel due to cancellations or restrictions.

Bangladesh’s diplomatic missions in the region say they are monitoring the situation and exploring options to assist affected citizens.

Officials at the Bangladeshi embassy in Qatar said they were in contact with Qatar Airways about the possibility of arranging special flights to help stranded passengers return to Dhaka if necessary, with priority given to women and children.

In Lebanon, Bangladeshi embassy officials have urged migrants to remain alert and avoid high-risk areas following reports of possible regional escalation.

Diplomatic staff have advised workers to stay in contact with the embassy and follow local authorities’ safety instructions.

Lebanon hosts thousands of Bangladeshi migrants, many of whom work in domestic service, construction and small businesses.

Bangladesh’s Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment says it is coordinating with embassies across the Middle East to track developments and support citizens if the situation deteriorates.

Officials say labour welfare wings in Bangladeshi missions have been instructed to maintain regular communication with migrant workers and provide emergency assistance where possible.

Speaking at a recent ministry event in Dhaka, expatriate welfare secretary Dr Neamat Ullah Bhuiyan said the government’s priority was the safety of its citizens.

‘Our prime minister has emphasised that human life is more important than money,’ he said. ‘Wherever our expatriate workers are in danger, we will take necessary steps to protect them, provide medical support and, if needed, bring them home.’

For now, however, millions of Bangladeshi migrants across the Middle East remain caught in uncertainty- worried about their safety, their jobs, and the families who depend on them.

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