DOHA: Millions of Asian migrant workers in the Gulf region are facing fear and uncertainty as tensions linked to the Iran conflict continue to rise. Many are now questioning whether working in the region is worth the growing risks to their lives.
One such worker is Norma Tactacon, a 49-year-old domestic helper currently living in Qatar. Far from her home in the Philippines, she lives in constant fear as sirens and reports of missile attacks increase.
“I get scared every time I see videos of missiles,” she said. Her biggest concern is staying alive so she can return to her husband and three children, who depend entirely on her income.
The ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran has turned parts of the Gulf into potential targets. This is mainly because several Gulf countries host US military bases, making them vulnerable to retaliatory strikes.
As tensions grow, many expatriates and tourists have started leaving the region. However, migrant workers often cannot afford to leave because their families rely on the money they send home.
For years, workers like Norma have moved to Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in search of better income. Domestic workers from the Philippines can earn around $500 per month in the Middle East, which is several times higher than what they would earn back home.
Norma had hoped to use her earnings to support her children’s education, including funding her son’s police academy training and helping her daughters pursue nursing careers. But now, the war is making her reconsider her future. She is thinking about returning home and starting a small business instead.
The risks are real. One tragic case is that of Mary Ann Veolasquez, who was injured when a missile struck her apartment in Tel Aviv while she was helping her patient to safety.
According to the International Labour Organization, there are about 24 million migrant workers in the Gulf region, making it the largest destination for overseas labor in the world. Most of these workers come from Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
Many of these jobs are low-paying and offer limited protection, including poor access to healthcare and safety measures. The ongoing conflict has made their already difficult situation even more dangerous.
Reports suggest that at least 12 South Asian migrant workers have died due to the conflict so far. Among them was Dibas Shrestha, a 29-year-old security guard working in Abu Dhabi. He was killed in an Iranian strike earlier this month.
Shrestha had been saving money to rebuild his family home in Nepal, which was damaged during the 2015 earthquake. Despite concerns from his family, he had chosen to stay in the Gulf, believing it was safe.
His death highlights the difficult choices many migrant workers face — balancing financial opportunities against serious risks to their safety.
Experts say that unless the conflict de-escalates, more workers may choose to leave the region. However, for many, the lack of better job opportunities back home makes that decision extremely difficult.
For now, people like Norma can only hope for peace. “I pray that the war will stop,” she said, reflecting the fears of millions living far from home in uncertain times.
