Chandigarh, March 3: Thousands of Indian blue-collar workers, primarily from Punjab, remain confined to labor camps in Abu Dhabi and Dubai as regional military tensions escalate. The atmosphere in these residential clusters has turned pensive following reported explosions and the activation of national emergency sirens across the United Arab Emirates.
Construction workers, drivers, and hospitality staff from districts like Jalandhar and Ludhiana stated that they are living in a state of constant vigilance. “We are stuck inside camps with 2,000 to 4,000 Indians, mostly Punjabis. The neighboring camp was hit, and it is scarier at night,” affirmed Gagandeep, a 24-year-old worker from Nakodar currently stationed in Abu Dhabi. He maintained that many have been forced to suspend work as the conflict intensifies.
The disruption extends to the tourism sector, with a Chandigarh-based business family among those unable to return. The family, which includes two toddlers, was scheduled to fly back on March 3 but found themselves stranded after the sudden closure of UAE airspace. “We contacted the Indian Embassy and were asked to fill a form. We are hopeful that the Indian Government will come out with an evacuation plan soon,” declared the businessman’s wife, who requested anonymity.
Industry leaders asserted that the safety of the nearly 44 lakh Indians in the UAE is the top priority for both governments. While special evacuation flights have begun for some, many remain holed up in hotels and camps awaiting further instructions from diplomatic missions.
