Uncertainty looms over 8 mn Indian workers in W Asia

Diplomatic channels put on high alert

- MANU KAUSHIK

THE ONGOING CONFLICT in West Asia has put tens of thousands of Indian workers in a position of acute vulnerability.

There are over 8 million Indian workers in the West Asian region, especially in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar, engaged in construction, healthcare and logistics and other sectors.

Though the Indian government has issued an advisory to citizens in both Iran and Israel to exercise “utmost caution and remain vigilant”, serious concerns have emerged around employment continuity, unpaid wages, contract termination, insurance coverage, and evacuation rights.