[STATEMENT] Protect the rights and welfare of migrants in the Middle East amidst war and crisis!

International Migrants Alliance

9 April 2026

The International Migrant Alliance is calling on governments in the Middle East to protect and respect the rights of migrant workers in the region as the war that began when the US and Israel attacked Iran has spread throughout the Middle East. 

The Middle East hosts around 29 million migrant workers, with 60% based in countries which are members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Even before the outbreak of the war, violations of the rights of migrant workers were rampant, especially in countries that implement the kafala system. But with over five weeks of the war now, the economic slowdown is adding to the challenges migrants face. Prices of basic goods and fuel have increased. There has also been widespread layoffs.

Those who bear the brunt of this crisis are the migrant workers which constitute the majority of the working class in the Middle East. Many workers have even agreed to salary cuts due to threats from employers that they will be laid off should they resist. Currently, the sectors of tourism, hotels, food and beverages, airlines, oil rigs, and office work are the most affected by job losses. Many domestic workers are experiencing abandonment by their employers who flee to others. Some are being sent back to their agencies. While others are being forced to accompany their employers to other countries.

Currently, Middle Eastern countries claim that they are adhering to international labor provisions. There are constant reminders on social media and government websites in the Middle East that they are for the rights of workers. But in reality, they do nothing about abusive employers and take no action against anti-worker policies.

The International Migrant Alliance calls for all workers in the Middle East to unite and stand up for migrant rights amidst the war. We must unite to fight against anti-worker policies especially in times of war and crisis. Let us fight for our right to organize, unionize, and demand just wages. IMA is also calling home governments to provide immediate and necessary aid, assistance and support to their respective migrants and citizens in the region.