South Asian migrant workers among latest casualties after missile strike in UAE

Two South Asian nationals—a Pakistani and an Indian—were killed in the United Arab Emirates this week after falling debris from an intercepted ballistic missile struck their area, their respective embassies confirmed on March 26.

The incident highlights the Gulf region’s heavy reliance on a large South Asian migrant workforce, many of whom work in hazardous conditions with limited protection. According to CNN’s tally of public records from foreign embassies and the UAE Ministry of Defense, at least six South Asian nationals have died in the UAE since the conflict began, Caliber.Az reports. 

Earlier this month, a Bangladeshi worker was killed in Bahrain, and two Indian nationals lost their lives in Oman, authorities reported.

Laborers from South Asia form a critical part of the Gulf economies, driving much of the region’s infrastructure and service sectors. Yet, they remain among the most vulnerable groups, often facing precarious work environments.

The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates that over 24 million migrant workers are employed across Arab states. Rights groups have repeatedly raised concerns about poor living and working conditions, particularly for low-income laborers in otherwise wealthy nations.

By Sabina Mammadli