The escalating conflict triggered by attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel is taking a heavy toll on migrant workers from South Asia, exposing the vulnerability of millions who depend on jobs in the Gulf.

Workers from Bangladesh, India, Nepal and Pakistan are facing widespread disruption as flights are cancelled, airspaces shut and tensions escalate across key labour destinations in West Asia. Airports across the region, including Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka have witnessed chaotic scenes, with migrants stranded for days after repeated flight cancellations.

In Gulf countries, where large South Asian communities are employed in construction, domestic work and services, anxiety is also mounting over safety. Reports of missile and drone attacks in parts of the region have heightened fears among workers already living far from home.