West Asia Conflict Derails Hopes of Indian Workers Bound for Gulf
Khizar Farooqui, a truck driver hailing from Jaunpur in Uttar Pradesh, finds himself in a precarious situation in Mumbai. He has successfully secured a work visa from a Saudi Arabian company through a local travel agency, but his plans are now grounded due to the ongoing war in West Asia, which has persisted for over a month. Farooqui expresses deep concern that prolonged unemployment could plunge his family into severe poverty.
"I have been stuck in Mumbai for more than 20 days," he shared. "Despite the dangers and warnings from friends against traveling to Saudi Arabia under these conditions, I am desperate to work. However, air ticket prices have nearly doubled compared to a month ago, leaving me uncertain about what to do."
Widespread Impact on Indian Workforce
According to Abdul Karim, president of the Indian Personnel Exports Promotion Council, an association of registered recruitment agencies, approximately 1 lakh Indian workers—spanning unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled categories—have had their job permits and aspirations in Gulf countries disrupted by the conflict. "The war has effectively brought recruitment to a standstill," Karim stated. "Workers with visas are fearful and face family pressure against leaving the country. If the war continues for several more weeks, the situation will deteriorate significantly."
Karim highlighted that around 95 lakh Indian expatriates reside and work in the six Gulf Cooperation Council nations: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. These individuals are employed in key sectors such as:
- Construction
- Engineering
- Healthcare
- Hospitality
Collectively, they contribute roughly Rs 33 billion out of India's total annual foreign remittances of Rs 83 billion.
Economic and Social Ramifications
Businessman and educationist Nasir Jamal, originally from Uttar Pradesh—a state that sends 3-4 lakh workers to West Asia annually—warned of escalating unemployment. "If these workers delay their travel further, it will exacerbate the unemployment crisis in India," he explained. "Drivers, plumbers, pipe fitters, and masons who earn between Rs 25,000 and Rs 30,000 monthly in the Gulf would struggle to find jobs paying even Rs 10,000 here. An immediate end to the war is crucial."
Ashhad Anwar Siddiqui of the BKC-based Ashhad Travel Agency reported that 150 individuals who obtained visas through his firm have postponed their travel, citing both family concerns and soaring airfares. "The situation is further complicated by additional requirements like skill tests and interviews by employer delegations," he added.
Wasib Peshimam of Al Samit International, a recruitment agency in Mahim, faces a similar challenge with 150 workers holding visas. "We are heading towards a crisis reminiscent of the Covid-19 pandemic," he remarked. "There has been no announcement of compensation for this sector, adding to the distress."
The ongoing conflict not only stalls individual dreams but also poses a significant threat to India's economic stability through reduced remittances and heightened unemployment rates.
