Trump's Iran war threatens Asian remittance lifeline via Gulf migrant jobs
Approximately 35 million migrant workers are employed in Gulf economies, where the UAE and Qatar boast nearly 90% of their populations as non-nationals. These nations heavily rely on migrant labor to fill roles that their limited native workforce cannot. A report by Reuters highlights that these economies thrive on migrant workers who endure low wages, job instability, and lack of paid leave. The ongoing US-Israeli conflict with Iran has triggered deportations, impacting Pakistanis in the UAE, as illustrated by a photograph of a 24-year-old airport customer service representative and a 26-year-old building security officer in Chakwal, Pakistan, taken on May 5. The loss of jobs and remittances for migrants threatens to drive millions in Asia into a crisis.
Key facts
- Around 35 million migrant workers are based in the Gulf region.
- In the UAE and Qatar, close to 90% of the population are non-nationals.
- Migrant workers fill positions that small native populations depend on.
- A Reuters report notes these economies are built on migrant workers with poverty wages, job insecurity, and no paid leave.
- A 24-year-old Pakistani airport customer service officer and a 26-year-old building security officer were deported from the UAE.
- The deportations followed the start of the US-Israeli war against Iran.
- The photo was taken in Chakwal, Pakistan, on May 5.
- Lost migrant jobs and remittances risk plunging millions across Asia into crisis.
Entities
Institutions
- Reuters
Locations
- United Arab Emirates
- UAE
- Qatar
- Chakwal
- Pakistan
- Asia
- Gulf region