16 March 2026
Stronger, together: Migrant workers oppose war in the Middle East
(Photo: John Wessels—AFP/Getty Images)
Last 13 March 2026, the Building and Wood Workers’ International (BWI) organised an online meeting attended by community leaders and migrant workers from across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The online meeting, joined by BWI General Secretary Ambet Yuson, BWI Assistant General Secretary Tos Q. Anonuevo, and BWI Global Director for Campaigns Paola Cammilli created a venue for migrant worker representatives from South Asia, South East Asia and Africa to share their issues and concerns about the war of aggression initiated by the United States and Israel against Iran, the subsequent retaliatory strikes by Iran, and the military escalation across the Gulf and the Middle East.
Participants shared how the escalating tensions have deepened anxieties among migrant workers whose jobs and residency status remain closely tied to their employers. Many fear job disruptions, with employers potentially using the crisis as a pretext to suspend work or delay or withhold wages, evacuations, or economic instability that could affect their ability to continue supporting families back home. Rising food prices are adding pressure to precarious lives.
Several workers described their daily dilemma, mainly about safety and survival. As one participant put it, “If I stay home, my family starves. But if I go to work, I might not come back.”
The discussion also highlighted the absence of comprehensive social protection for migrant workers. In many cases, migrant communities themselves are stepping in to support one another and fill gaps that should be covered by government protection systems, exposing long-standing injustices faced by migrant workers across the region. Participants also noted the heightened vulnerability of domestic workers, many of whom remain isolated in private homes and are working long hours during Ramadan while coping with growing fear and uncertainty.
Ambet Yuson emphasised the human cost of the conflict, stating that “workers are the losers in this situation, not the warmongering gangs.” He underscored the importance of solidarity and continued dialogue among migrant communities, especially during times of geopolitical crisis.
Another concern raised involved migrant workers who are currently stranded in their home countries but are still keen on returning to their jobs in the Gulf. Despite the risks and fears brought about by the conflict, many workers still desire to return because of the lack of livelihood opportunities in their home countries. For many families, employment in the GCC remains their only reliable source of income.
Across the GCC, particularly in Qatar, the predominant sentiment among migrant workers is one of cautious resilience. The State of Qatar has taken significant steps to reassure citizens and residents that the situation remains under control. While the war has undeniably caused fear and tension, many workers say they are not ready to be repatriated because they have no viable alternatives back home.
The meeting concluded with a shared commitment among participants to stay connected, support one another, and continue advocating for the protection and welfare of migrant workers across the region. In times of conflict, the message was clear: solidarity remains the strongest shield for workers far from home.
Read the BWI statement on the war and escalating military attacks