"Nepali security guard killed in Abu Dhabi shows risks faced by 'trapped' migrant workers", 16 March 2026

… "They killed my precious son," she screams repeatedly.

…, Dibas had been working the night shift as a security guard at Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport.

Now his family is preparing the final rituals following his death from a war thousands of kilometres away…

"I saw news that three people had been killed: a Nepali, a Pakistani and a Bangladeshi," Dibas's father Cham Bahadur Shrestha recalled.

"A photo of the Nepali victim was shown in the media, but it wasn't my son."

A short time later, officials confirmed that it was.

"Later, we received his body," Dibas's father said…

In Nepal, where job opportunities are limited and wages are low, working abroad has become a lifeline for millions of families.

Remittances account for more than a quarter of the country's economy.

… Across the six countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council — Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman — migrant workers form the backbone of oil and gas-rich economies.

The region's population is roughly 60 million people. More than half are migrants, with Indians making up 10 million people across the Gulf states.

For many South Asian migrants across the Gulf, keeping quiet about Iran's attacks ensures they're able to pay the bills and feed their families. But is leaving even an option?

… They often work in essential jobs that keep cities running: building skyscrapers, cleaning offices, delivering food and guarding airports.

But these workers also occupy the most vulnerable positions in society.

Usman Jawed, a researcher on migrant labour, says that vulnerability becomes especially visible during crises.

"They get paid less, they have poorer living accommodations, they also live segregated in labour camps," he said

"If you have rocket exploding overhead and debris falls, and you're living in accommodation that is not as well protected then you are more at risk."

… Data compiled … shows at least 15 civilians have been killed across Gulf countries since the conflict began, in every state except Kuwait.

Twelve of the victims were South Asian nationals — including five Indians, four Bangladeshis, two Pakistanis and one Nepali — working as drivers, labourers, cleaners and sailors.

For many Gulf residents, life has continued largely as normal despite the attacks. But for migrant workers, the sense of insecurity is growing.

And many have found themselves trapped.

… On a vessel anchored at Iran's port of Bandar Abbas, a group of Indian seafarers recently filmed a video message asking for help.

"Continuous bombing is taking place," one crew member said.

"Our company is not listening to us. Please rescue us."…