More than two dozen foreign workers were killed across the Mideast after the United States and Israel went to war with Iran in February. The Coalition for Labour Justice for Migrants in the Gulf reported that at least 24 foreign workers lost their lives due to this ongoing conflict. This alarming statistic highlights how migrant workers—who make up a majority of the population in many Gulf Arab states—are bearing the brunt of geopolitical tensions.

That context matters because these workers play a crucial role in sustaining their home economies through remittances. For instance, remittances from the Gulf constitute about 1% of GDP for India and can reach as high as 10% for Nepal. Countries like Bangladesh, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka also depend on these funds, which account for 3-5% of their GDP.

But it’s not just about money; it’s about survival. Ahmed al-Aliyli poignantly remarked, “We are the collateral damage of this war.” As tensions escalate, migrant workers find themselves caught between national conflicts and their desperate need to provide for their families.

The situation has further deteriorated with Iran effectively blocking the Strait of Hormuz—a key waterway for global oil and gas—compounding safety concerns for commercial vessels. As of late April, around 900 commercial vessels were located in the Persian Gulf, with approximately 20,000 seafarers unable to transit due to the conflict.

The US has responded by launching a military operation involving 15,000 personnel and over 100 aircraft to guide stranded ships through this critical maritime route. Yet, Iranian officials have accused Washington of making excessive demands while reviewing proposals to end hostilities.

As ceasefire negotiations stall—despite an initial ceasefire announcement in April—the plight of migrant workers becomes increasingly precarious. Udaya Wagle noted, “It’s a very precarious situation for migrant workers,” emphasizing how uncertainty looms large over their futures.

In light of these developments, one must ask: what does this mean for global economies reliant on foreign remittances? With each passing day, as negotiations falter and violence escalates, both lives and livelihoods hang in the balance.

Сообщение Iran war: How is the Impacting Foreign Workers in the Gulf? появились сначала на naijanewsreporters.