Bangladeshi migrant workers in Middle East living in uncertainty

The escalating military confrontation involving Iran, Israel and the United States has created growing uncertainty for Bangladeshi migrant workers across the Middle East, raising concerns about the future of the country’s overseas employment market.

Many expatriates living in the region say they are experiencing fear and instability as the conflict intensifies. Reports of casualties, suspension of construction activities in several areas and disruptions to aviation services have heightened anxiety among foreign workers. In some places, projects have reportedly been halted temporarily due to security concerns, while major transport hubs, including Dubai International Airport, have faced operational disruptions.

The evolving situation has left thousands of Bangladeshi expatriates unsure about their jobs and safety. Observers warn that if the conflict drags on, labour recruitment from Bangladesh to Middle Eastern countries could slow significantly or even stop altogether.

Labour market analysts note that Bangladesh’s overseas employment sector in the Middle East had already been struggling to regain momentum since the COVID-19 pandemic. The sector faced additional challenges in recent years due to diplomatic and economic issues affecting migration flows.

Although there was renewed optimism after the formation of a new government earlier this year following the 12 February national election, the current regional crisis has overshadowed those expectations.

The tensions have affected several countries that host large numbers of Bangladeshi workers, including Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Iraq and Libya.

Bangladesh relies heavily on the Middle East as a destination for migrant labour. Millions of Bangladeshis are employed in construction, services, healthcare and other sectors across the region. Saudi Arabia alone hosts the largest share of Bangladeshi workers, while Qatar, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates are also major destinations.

A Bangladeshi healthcare professional working in Dubai said many expatriates are living with constant uncertainty as the conflict escalates. According to her, daily life has become unpredictable, with some workplaces temporarily closed and residents concerned about their safety.

The Middle East remains crucial for Bangladesh’s economy because migrant workers send home billions of dollars in remittances each year. These funds play a key role in supporting foreign exchange reserves and sustaining rural household incomes.

In 2025, Bangladesh recorded its highest-ever remittance inflow, receiving approximately $32.8 billion from expatriate workers worldwide. However, experts warn that prolonged instability in the Middle East could disrupt migration flows and reduce remittance earnings.

The current conflict has also affected air travel across the region. Several countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Bahrain, have temporarily restricted or closed parts of their airspace due to security concerns. As a result, flights from Bangladesh to certain destinations have been suspended or rerouted.

This disruption has left many migrant workers stranded. Thousands of expatriates who travelled to Bangladesh on leave are now uncertain about when they will be able to return to their workplaces abroad. Some are also worried that their visas may expire before they can re-enter their host countries.

Migration experts say that if the conflict continues for a prolonged period, many countries may postpone recruitment of foreign labour. Such a move could lead to job losses for migrant workers already in the region and reduce opportunities for new migrants from Bangladesh.

The government has reportedly begun monitoring the situation closely. Officials are collecting information about Bangladeshi expatriates whose visas are close to expiry in order to provide assistance if necessary. Authorities have also indicated that measures may be taken to help workers facing travel or visa-related problems during the crisis.

Economists warn that a large-scale return of migrant workers or a decline in remittance inflows could create additional pressure on Bangladesh’s economy, which is already dealing with higher import costs and increasing foreign debt obligations.

Academic experts say it is still too early to predict how the conflict will unfold, but they caution that an extended war could disrupt economic activity across the entire Middle East. Even countries not directly involved in the conflict could experience economic slowdowns if the situation worsens.

Recruiting agencies in Bangladesh have also expressed concern about the uncertainty. Representatives of the migration industry say many workers in the region are worried about their job security, while new recruitment activities have slowed amid the volatile situation.

For Bangladesh, whose labour migration sector depends heavily on Middle Eastern destinations, the continuation of the conflict could have significant economic and social consequences. Both workers abroad and their families at home are now watching developments in the region with growing concern.