Multiple South Asian migrant workers have been killed across Gulf states since the Middle East conflict erupted, highlighting how the millions of migrants who power the region’s economies remain among its most vulnerable
At least 12 South Asian migrant workers have been killed across Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states in connection with the ongoing Middle East conflict, according to the Business and Human Rights Resource Centre, which warned that such workers remain among the most exposed and least protected people in the region.
The Business Human Rights Resourandce Centre (BHRRC), an international non-governmental organisation that tracks the human rights impacts of companies across more than 180 countries, flagged the deaths in a report published last week. The victims – five Indians, four Bangladeshis, two Pakistanis, and one Nepali – were working as drivers, labourers, cleaners, and sailors at the time of their deaths.
Data compiled by the organisation shows at least 15 civilians have been killed across Gulf countries since the conflict began, in every state except Kuwait.
The region’s population is roughly 60 million people, more than half of whom are migrants, with Indians making up about 10 million across the Gulf states. These workers form the backbone of the GCC’s oil- and gas-rich economies, filling essential roles that keep cities running – building skyscrapers, cleaning offices, delivering food, and guarding airports.
According to the International Labour Organization, migrant workers constitute the vast majority of the workforce in the United Arab Emirates alone, accounting for roughly 90% of jobs, particularly in the private sector, and the country hosts about 8.7 million migrant workers, or over 80% of its resident population.
Migrant workers remain vulnerable in Gulf states
Usman Jawed, a researcher on migrant labour, said the vulnerability of these workers becomes especially visible in moments of crisis.
“They get paid less, they have poorer living accommodation, they also live segregated in labour camps,” he said. “If you have rockets exploding overhead and debris falling, and you’re living in accommodation that is not as well protected, then you are more at risk.”
The dangers are not confined to the workplace. The BHRRC noted that many workers find themselves effectively trapped, unable to leave despite the threat of attack. For many South Asian migrants across the Gulf, keeping quiet about Iran’s attacks ensures they are able to pay the bills and feed their families.
In Nepal alone, remittances account for more than a quarter of the national economy, making overseas employment a financial lifeline for millions of households.
The case of Dibas Shrestha, a Nepali security guard killed while working the night shift at Abu Dhabi’s Zayed International Airport, illustrates the human cost. His father, Cham Bahadur Shrestha, recalled first seeing news reports of the attack.
“I saw news that three people had been killed: a Nepali, a Pakistani and a Bangladeshi,” he said. “A photo of the Nepali victim was shown in the media, but it wasn’t my son.”
Officials later confirmed it was.
“Later, we received his body,” Cham Bahadur said.
Concerns are also mounting at sea. On a vessel anchored at Iran’s port of Bandar Abbas, a group of Indian seafarers recently filmed a video message asking for help.
“Continuous bombing is taking place,” one crew member said. “Our company is not listening to us. Please rescue us.”
