Story perspectives

Iran War Threatens Gulf Migrant Workers, Urges Policy Shift

3/15/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Iran war raises risks for the Gulf region, threatening economic stability and the livelihoods of more than 25 million migrant workers, including many from India.
The crisis heightens vulnerabilities for Indian migrants in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where remittances support Kerala.
India faces pressure to diversify migration beyond the Gulf, its long-standing primary labor market, to implement a restructured policy that strengthens protections.

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Story summary

The Iran war raises risks for the Gulf region, threatening economic stability and the livelihoods of more than 25 million migrant workers, including many from India.
The crisis heightens vulnerabilities for Indian migrants in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), where remittances support Kerala.
India faces pressure to diversify migration beyond the Gulf, its long-standing primary labor market, to implement a restructured policy that strengthens protections.