As geopolitical tensions escalate in the Middle East amid the ongoing Iran–US–Israel conflict, hundreds of Indian passengers remain stranded, unable to return to their workplaces across the Gulf.
With regional airspace closures disrupting travel, many are anxiously waiting for flights to resume, worried not just about delays, but about their livelihoods. From Goa to London, expats are now facing the possibility of losing the jobs that support their families.
J. Fernandes who hails from Siolim, a small village in Goa was supposed to report back to work on Sunday in Saudi Arabia. He had come back home for some urgent work but now faces no clarity of when he will go back to work. “If this war lasts longer, it could also result in job loss for migrant workers like me," he said in a statement cited by Khaleej Times.
Similarly, Thomas D’Souza travelled back to Goa following his mother’s death but fears he may lose his job if he fails to return in time.
R. Sandeep, a London-based resident, said he is "in big trouble," as he is currently on extended leave and was expected to resume duties on Monday.
Another traveller from Rajasthan, scheduled to fly from Delhi to Lebanon over the weekend, admitted he had no idea, "what to do."
Similar scenes of distress have occurred for numerous passengers whose plans have been affected by the airspace shutdown in regions connecting to the Middle East through flights. Additionally, the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation announced that more flights would be cancelled because of airspace restrictions moving further.
Visa relief for stranded foreign nationals
The ripple effects of flight cancellations have left many travellers in limbo. In response, the Ministry of External Affairs has advised foreign nationals stranded in India to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office to extend or regularise their visas.
“All foreign nationals in India, who have had to change their travel plans due to the ongoing developments in the West Asia region and need assistance with extension of their visa or to regularise their stay, are requested to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office,” the ministry said in an official statement.
Major Indian airlines including Air India, IndiGo, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and SpiceJet, have notified passengers of cancellations on routes connecting to the Middle East.
For many stranded workers, the uncertainty continues, as they wait for the chance to return not just to their destinations, but to the jobs that sustain their lives.
