Impact of Iran Conflict: Job Losses Begin Among Nepali Workers in Gulf Countries, Affected Sectors Revealed
Image Source, Reuters
As the conflict in the Gulf region escalates, its effects are starting to be felt among Nepali workers employed there.
A Nepali businessman based in Qatar reported that Nepali workers in the energy sector are beginning to witness the impact of the war.
However, Nepali diplomatic missions in the Gulf countries have indicated that, so far, there has been no official confirmation of job losses among Nepali workers.
Skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled Nepali workers are employed in large numbers across the Gulf countries affected by the current conflict.
Following attacks by the US and Israel, Iran has targeted Israeli cities and American military structures located in various Gulf states.
Reports state that Iran is attacking buildings and military installations housing US forces in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and other countries.
Left Old Job, Lost New Job
27-year-old Pushpakumar from Saptari (name changed) had started working as a chef in a restaurant in the UAE less than a month ago.
He had secured better pay and benefits than in his previous job but recently lost this new employment since the conflict began.
“I left my old job seeking a better opportunity. However, the war has immediately affected the tourism and hospitality sectors, causing the company to halt work,” Pushpakumar told the news outlet via phone.
“The contract included a six-month probation, after which salary and return airfare were to be provided, but I was offered none of these,” he added.
Pushpakumar said two other Nepalis working at the same restaurant also lost their jobs.
“About a hundred workers lost jobs where I worked. The company decided to discontinue and will only recruit new workers once conditions stabilize,” he explained.
One of his Indian colleagues returned home on Tuesday, while Pushpakumar himself remains, hopeful that work will resume after the war ends.
“I am managing with last month’s salary for expenses now. I tell everyone to stay calm and wait to see what happens,” he said.
Relief Measures for Existing Workers
According to Kuber Lawar, working in the UAE, hospitality companies are offering options for workers to work at minimum wages.
“Due to a downturn in hospitality and retail sectors, workers are impacted. Some Nepalis report reduced working hours or being asked to take unpaid leave,” he stated.
Lawar notes that companies in the UAE are trying to manage arrangements to retain existing workers.
“They are not terminating old workers; even at half pay, companies retain them because they anticipate future need,” he added.
He also mentioned that the UAE government is bearing the costs of tourists stranded due to the conflict.
Ramesh Shrestha from Nepal, working in outsourcing and tourism in the UAE, said the Gulf conflict has negatively affected the service sector.
“My travel business is also impacted, and visa issuance has become difficult,” he explained.
He noted that hotel and restaurant workers have started losing jobs.
“Some are being placed on unpaid leave or asked to return home,” he added.
More Clarity Expected Soon
According to Ramesh Bhatt from Qatar’s Saurabh Project and Services, the company provides plumbing, scaffolding, and hospitality services.
Several energy companies in Qatar have placed workers on unpaid leave, but continue to provide food and accommodation.
“Among approximately 250 workers, 90 are currently idle without work for over three weeks. We are arranging their meals and housing,” Bhatt said.
“Our company handles scaffolding jobs and works with French and Indian firms, subcontracting the workforce,” he explained.
Bhatt anticipates the situation will become clearer as factories reopen following Eid holidays on Tuesday.
Image Source, Getty Images
Limited Official Information Available
Officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs state there is no formal information available about Nepali workers losing jobs due to the conflict.
“Information from missions suggests only minimal reports of job losses among Nepali workers due to the war,” said Lok Bahadur Paudel Kshetri, spokesperson for the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
Some officials at Nepali missions in Gulf countries have heard reports but confirm no official data is present.
“We have heard rumors, but no formal report has been submitted confirming any Nepali losing employment,” stated a labor cooperative official from a mission.
However, it is clear that prolonged conflict poses a significant risk of job losses for many Nepalis in the Gulf region.
More than 600,000 Nepali workers are employed in the UAE alone, a fact confirmed by Nepali associations.
Gulf countries continue to be attractive destinations for skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled Nepali laborers.
This news is also available in video format.