Bihar Government Establishes Dedicated Helpline for Migrant Workers in West Asia
In response to the escalating conflict in West Asia, the Bihar government has announced a dedicated helpline to support the safety and assistance needs of expatriates from the state employed in the region. The initiative aims to provide timely help for migrant workers and their families during this tense period.
Helpline Details and Government Commitment
Deepak Anand, secretary of the labour resources and migrant workers welfare department, issued a special helpline number — 72177 88114 — from Bihar Bhavan in Delhi. This move is designed to ensure that no migrant from Bihar feels isolated during the crisis. Anand emphasized the state government's full commitment to the safety of its citizens and workers, stating that the arrangement was made in view of the volatile situation in West Asia.
The helpline can be used for information, assistance, and resolution of problems faced by migrant workers. According to the department, it will be monitored round the clock, with swift action taken when required, including coordination with relevant agencies. Anand added that the government's priority is to ensure the safety, dignity, and facilities of Bihar's workers employed abroad.
Estimated Number of Migrants and Government Monitoring
While the exact number of people from Bihar residing in West Asian countries is not known, government sources estimate it to be around 2 lakh (200,000). A high-level meeting was held at the Union ministry level, and the issue is being closely monitored. Sources indicated that the government is taking proactive steps to address potential challenges arising from the conflict.
Anand appealed to families in Bihar to use the helpline if any relative working in West Asia is facing difficulties. He stated that the initiative is aimed at providing reassurance and strengthening trust between migrant workers and their families. When asked if they had received any calls for help from stranded migrants or groups on tourist visas, Anand confirmed that no such calls had been received so far.
Personal Accounts and Regional Context
A Patna-native working in Qatar shared his ordeal, revealing that he and others have been passing sleepless nights due to the noise of explosions. He expressed concern for his family, who are also experiencing anxiety. "No doubt the situation is tense here, but we are more worried about our family, who too are going through sleepless nights. For their satisfaction, we hide the truth and tell them that we are in a better situation," he added.
The conflict in West Asia has seen significant developments, including Israel attacking Iran, reports of a US F-15 down in Kuwait with Iran sharing video showing a fighter jet engulfed in flames and pilots ejecting, Iranian state media claiming a US fighter jet was downed in Kuwait, explosions in Bahrain, Dubai, and Doha, Israel bombing Hezbollah targets in Beirut, and Gulf nations vowing to defend themselves. These events have heightened tensions and raised concerns for migrant workers in the region.
The Bihar government's helpline initiative underscores its efforts to protect its citizens abroad during international crises, focusing on immediate support and long-term welfare for migrant workers and their families.
