Gulf Tensions Strand Thousands of UP Migrant Workers in Bunkers
Escalating tensions in the Gulf region amid the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and the United States have left thousands of migrant workers from eastern Uttar Pradesh stranded, forcing many to spend nights in bunkers for safety. The sound of fighter jets and air raid sirens echoing throughout the night has created an atmosphere of intense tension and fear among these workers, who are primarily employed in construction, transport, and service sectors across Gulf nations.
Workers from Multiple Districts Affected
Officials have revealed that a recent survey indicated nearly 5,000 workers from Kushinagar district alone are currently employed in various Gulf countries. Workers from Basti, Gorakhpur, Deoria, and Maharajganj districts are similarly impacted, with many unable to return home as several international flights have been cancelled due to heightened security concerns.
One affected worker, Islam, a resident of Sari Khurd village in Kushinagar who has been working in Saudi Arabia for five years, missed his daughter's wedding due to the crisis. Speaking to his family over the phone, Islam described how many workers were forced to stay inside bunkers for safety, with explosions and missile interceptions visible in nearby areas. He had booked a ticket to return home during Eid, but the escalation led to flight cancellations.
Families Express Deep Concern
Islam's wife, Zohra Khatoon, and son, Ishtiyaq, expressed that the family is deeply worried about his safety and anxiously awaits his return. Similarly, Sarvesh Kumar Sharma of Parsouni Khurd village in Kushinagar, who works with a construction company in Jeddah, secured leave to return home for Holi but had his journey cancelled on March 2 due to the conflict.
Sarvesh informed his family that the roar of fighter aircraft could be heard day and night, stating, "Missile attacks and explosions are on, and many workers are being shifted to bunkers for safety." Ramesh Yadav, a resident of Bhatni area in Deoria district working in a transport firm in the UAE, told his family that workers had been advised to avoid unnecessary movement outside labour camps, leaving his parents glued to news channels for updates.
Heightened Security Alerts Across Gulf
Shah Alam, a worker from Basti employed in a maintenance company in Qatar, reported that heightened security alerts had been issued, with expatriate workers asked to remain indoors. Families of these migrant workers are relying on phone calls and video chats to stay connected with their loved ones, expressing growing anxiety over the volatile situation.
In response to the crisis, families have urged the government to take diplomatic steps to facilitate the safe evacuation of Indian workers. The ongoing conflict, marked by Iran firing missiles at Israel under new Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei and increased US involvement, has disrupted normal life for thousands of Indian expatriates, highlighting the urgent need for intervention to ensure their safety and repatriation.
