The Refugee and Migratory Movements Research Unit (RMMRU) has warned that around two million Bangladeshi expatriates in the United Arab Emirates could face serious livelihood risks if the ongoing war in the Middle East continues. The warning was issued at a press conference held at the National Press Club on Wednesday, where RMMRU presented a report titled “The Ongoing War Situation in Iran and the Gulf Region: Impacts and Actions for Bangladeshi Migrant Workers.”

According to the report, the conflict has already disrupted business activities across the Gulf region, causing uncertainty in the labor market. Declining investor confidence, rising costs, and infrastructure damage could halt projects and eliminate expected employment opportunities. The report also noted that disruptions in mobility have created a secondary crisis in the recruitment process, leading to disputes between agents and prospective workers over recruitment costs.

RMMRU highlighted the absence of a crisis response fund or real-time monitoring system to address job losses, forced returns, or stranded migrants. Dr. Tasneem Siddiqui, RMMRU’s founding chair, emphasized the need for new labor markets, skill development, language training, and modernization of the education system to adapt to long-term global labor market changes.