The directive from the Department of Overseas Labor Management, Ministry of Interior, was sent to dispatching businesses on 1/3. This decision comes amidst escalating tensions, following US and Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory and subsequent counterattacks by Iran targeting various locations across the Middle East.

Approximately 10,000 Vietnamese workers are currently employed in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia hosts nearly 6,000, the UAE approximately 4,000, Qatar 500, and Bahrain nearly 100. These workers are primarily engaged in domestic assistance, hotel and restaurant services, and construction.

Smoke rises from the Naval Support Activity (NSA) in Bahrain on 28/2. This country hosts approximately 100 Vietnamese workers. *AFP*.

Currently, 14 service businesses dispatch workers to the UAE, 12 companies send workers to Saudi Arabia, six businesses operate in Qatar, and two in Bahrain. The temporary suspension began on 1/3 and will remain in effect until the situation is stable and returns to normal.

Businesses are required to maintain regular contact with employers to update information on the conflict, ensuring worker safety and rights. They must also connect frequently with Vietnamese diplomatic missions and the Labor Management Boards under the Vietnamese Embassies in these countries to monitor the situation of workers in the region.

The Department of Overseas Labor Management and Vietnamese diplomatic missions are closely monitoring the situation to promptly implement necessary measures, ensuring the utmost safety for workers.

Vietnam has over 600,000 workers employed in nearly 60 countries and territories, collectively remitting nearly 7 billion USD home annually.

Hong Chieu