Rising military tensions in the Middle East have triggered fresh concerns over Bangladesh’s overseas labor market and remittance inflows, as nearly six million Bangladeshi expatriates in the region face growing uncertainty.
Following attacks on Iran by the United States and Israel, retaliatory actions have heightened instability across the region. Reports indicate that two Bangladeshi nationals have died in the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, while several others were injured in Kuwait and Bahrain, according to diplomatic sources.
Heavy Dependence on Middle East Labor Market
Bangladesh’s overseas employment sector has long been heavily reliant on the Middle East. Data from the Bureau of Manpower, Employment and Training (BMET) show that 67 percent of migrant workers who went abroad in 2025 chose Saudi Arabia. Large numbers of Bangladeshi workers are also concentrated in Qatar, Kuwait, the UAE, and Jordan.
A prolonged regional conflict could therefore directly affect both overseas employment opportunities and remittance flows.
According to the Bangladesh Bank, around 45.40 percent of total remittances in the first quarter of the 2025–26 fiscal year came from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Remittances remain a crucial pillar of Bangladesh’s foreign exchange reserves and rural economy, alongside export earnings.
Travel Disruptions and Visa Uncertainty
Air travel disruptions have made worker migration to Gulf countries increasingly uncertain. Bangladesh missions in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain reported multiple flight cancellations. Qatar has reportedly extended entry visa validity by one month in light of the situation, but overall uncertainty in the labor market persists.
On Wednesday, the Prime Minister’s Adviser on Foreign Affairs, Humayun Kabir, told reporters after a meeting with the Prime Minister that discussions are ongoing with embassies regarding employment and visa issues for Bangladeshi workers in the Middle East. He said assurances have been received about possible visa extensions.
“We are making every effort. This government prioritizes its citizens, and their welfare remains at the forefront of our daily work,” the adviser said.
He added that authorities are maintaining constant communication with Bangladeshis living in Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, and other affected areas. Preparations for possible evacuation are also in place if necessary, and talks have been held with other countries to ensure support in emergencies.
Experts Warn of Long-Term Risks
Experts believe a short-term conflict may not cause severe economic damage and could even increase demand for migrant labor during reconstruction efforts. However, a prolonged war could deal a significant blow to Bangladesh’s labor market.
Dr. Mustafizur Rahman, Distinguished Fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), emphasized that ensuring the safety of expatriates must be the immediate priority.
“The depth of the impact will depend on how long and how far the conflict spreads. A prolonged war would create multifaceted challenges for Bangladesh,” he said. He noted that many workers who recently completed visa procedures are now unable to travel. Kuwait, for instance, has extended visa validity by one month due to the conflict, and similar arrangements could be pursued with other countries.
Beyond remittance concerns, experts warn that extended instability may disrupt energy supplies, including LNG imports and industrial raw materials, further affecting Bangladesh’s trade and economic stability.
As tensions persist, the fate of millions of Bangladeshi expatriates and the country’s vital remittance lifeline remains uncertain.
