Migrant workers face safety threats, hardship amid Gulf tensions: HRW
HRW urged Gulf states to implement emergency measures, including income support, fair wages, and access to social security.
Migrant workers across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are facing heightened risks to their lives and socioeconomic rights amid the ongoing regional conflict, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said yesterday (31 March).
Despite playing essential roles in sustaining Gulf economies by delivering food and water, providing healthcare, and maintaining infrastructure, many workers are struggling to meet basic needs due to income loss, rising living costs, and limited access to social services.
"Millions of migrant workers employed across the Gulf countries are navigating threats to their physical safety and job security amid the conflict," said Michael Page, deputy director in the Middle East and North Africa division at HRW, noting that the crisis has exposed longstanding labour rights gaps, including those linked to the kafala (sponsorship) system.
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In March 2026, HRW interviewed 38 Indian, Nepali, and Bangladeshi workers across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
Many reported declining earnings, job insecurity, and fear of violence.
Some also described rising food prices, particularly in smaller retail outlets with less government oversight.
Conflict-related deaths have included migrant workers, among them a Pakistani driver, a Nepali security guard, and Bangladeshi nationals.
The report said Bangladeshi national Saleh Ahmed was killed in Ajman, UAE, after debris from an attack pierced his cab while he was in a water tank truck, while in a separate incident, AM Tarek was killed instantly after being struck on the head by shrapnel while descending from a ship's roof in Bahrain's Hidd industrial area after finishing his night shift.
Workers also reported reduced hours, unpaid leave, or termination, particularly in sectors like hospitality.
Some employers have cut staff or wages, while others have asked employees to take unpaid leave without covering basic expenses such as food or airfare.
HRW urged Gulf states to implement emergency measures, including income support, fair wages, and access to social security. It also called for airfare assistance for workers wishing to return home and long-term reforms to protect labour rights.
"Governments and employers should take concrete steps to protect workers caught in the crossfire thousands of miles from home and who despite significant risks are doing essential jobs across the Gulf," Page said.
