The Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) has warned that a prolonged war in the Middle East could create widespread uncertainty in the Gulf labour market, putting the lives and livelihoods of Bangladeshi expatriates at risk, particularly in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The concerns were raised at a press conference titled “Ongoing war situation in Iran and the Gulf region: Impact on Bangladeshi migrant workers and what to do” held at the National Press Club on Wednesday.
Dr Tasneem Siddiqui, former professor of political science at Dhaka University and founding chair of RMMRU, presented the report at the event.
According to RMMRU, the ongoing conflict has already disrupted business activities across the Gulf region. The organization warned that if the war continues, large-scale development projects in Saudi Arabia under Vision 2030 — including the $500 billion NEOM project, the Red Sea Tourism Development project and Qiddiya Entertainment City — could face setbacks due to declining investor confidence, rising costs and infrastructure risks.
RMMRU said these projects were expected to create long-term employment opportunities for Bangladeshi workers in the construction and service sectors. Any disruption could significantly reduce future job prospects.
The organization also expressed concern over the safety of around two million Bangladeshis living in the UAE, saying the country’s involvement in the conflict alongside the United States and Israel could increase the risk of retaliatory attacks from Iran.
RMMRU further said the conflict has triggered a second crisis in the overseas recruitment process. Disputes are emerging between recruiting agents and prospective migrant workers over recruitment fees due to delayed or cancelled travel arrangements.
The organization warned that the situation could worsen if the conflict continues.
Highlighting gaps in the government’s response, RMMRU said there is no dedicated crisis response fund for migrant workers affected by war-related injuries, job losses or forced returns.
It also pointed to the absence of a real-time monitoring system for cancelled journeys, stranded workers and returnee flows, as well as the lack of a publicly available integrated response plan.
According to the organization, there is no conflict-specific reintegration programme for returnees from Iran or Gulf countries, nor are there emergency food, healthcare or shelter arrangements for workers who have lost their income but are unable to return home.
RMMRU also noted that domestic workers — considered among the most isolated and vulnerable migrant groups — remain outside WhatsApp-based crisis communication systems.
It further said loan disbursement by the Expatriates’ Welfare Bank has nearly stalled because flight tickets are required as a precondition.
Speaking at the event, Dr Tasneem Siddiqui said the government should allocate a separate budget line to support expatriate workers during wartime or crisis situations.
She said a dedicated fund should be established to ensure quick assistance for migrant workers facing emergencies abroad.
Referring to previous global crises, she said many expatriates detained or imprisoned abroad had been repatriated during emergencies, including during the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, she also noted limitations in international law regarding the implementation of separate punishments in different countries for the same offence.
Dr Tasneem said a section of Bangladeshi workers in the Middle East has already become unemployed due to the war and has started returning home.
She added that reports suggest around 10,000 workers have been detained, although the actual number may increase as many employers remain reluctant to recruit workers amid security concerns.
She also said many foreign investors are shifting business operations from conflict-prone regions to countries such as Turkey due to security risks, which may lead to long-term changes in the global labour market.
According to her, the ongoing conflict is not only an immediate crisis but may also reshape global labour migration patterns in the long run.
She emphasized the need for Bangladesh to explore new labour markets, improve worker skills, expand language training and modernize the education system to adapt to future changes.