March 30, 2026
THIMPHU – Twenty-seven days after completing his contract, Thinley Wangchuk, a 25-year-old Bhutanese worker in Kuwait, finds himself stranded in a country he was ready to leave. His last day of work was February 28 and he had planned to return home on March 3.
And before he could depart, the regional situation deteriorated. Today, he is caught in a web of logistical, financial, and psychological strain, as the ongoing conflict in the Middle East has disrupted air.
“I have already spent over 150 Kuwaiti Dinars (Nu 46,180) just to manage daily expenses after resigning,” he said. “This could have been avoided if I had been able to return on time.”
Having handed over his apartment, he now shares accommodation with a friend, living off dwindling savings. “We hardly save much abroad,” he said. “Situations like this eat into everything.”
Thinley Wangchuk’s predicament is not unique. Across the Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) countries, particularly Kuwait, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Oman, Bhutanese workers who have completed their contracts find themselves unable to leave.
Flights from Kuwait have been suspended or severely restricted, with limited re-routing options through Saudi Arabia, where Bhutanese nationals face visa hurdles due to limited diplomatic relations and commercial ties.
Those with valid residency visas have more flexibility; for others, the process is lengthy, uncertain, and often unsuccessful.
“Trying to travel independently is risky,” Thinley Wangchuk said, citing unclear procedures and the absence of reliable support systems.
Even for those able to leave, costs have shot up. Airfares have reportedly doubled, placing tickets beyond the reach of many Bhutanese who had expected employer-funded returns or had budgeted for far lower prices. The result is a growing cohort of Bhutanese migrants stranded in this perilous limbo.
“It is mentally distressing to be in this situation,” said another Bhutanese living in Kuwait. “We are unable to complete our plans, and it is becoming difficult to sustain ourselves.”
Part of the problem lies in strained employer relationships. Several Bhutanese workers report delays in receiving release letters after resigning – documents necessary to formalise their departure or seek new employment.
Others said employers have failed to provide return tickets, despite contractual obligations. “We have not heard from the company,” said one Bhutanese working in the UAE. “Without their response, we cannot plan anything.”
A further complication is the widespread practice of employers holding workers’ passports. Though not required under Kuwaiti law, it remains common.
“As per our agreements, the host companies are liable to provide the return flight tickets. That is also not provided, nor do they respond when we inquire,” an interviewee said.
In addition, there are concerns about passports being held by employers.
Kezang Dorji, President of the Bhutanese Association in Kuwait, said that while Kuwaiti law does not require employers to hold passports, the practice is common.
Many Bhutanese in GCC countries have appealed to RBE-Kuwait for guidance on passports and travel assistance but report unclear communication.
“While follow-ups are ongoing, we’ve received no concrete response or assurance on returning to Bhutan,” one said. “There’s still no clear guidance on what to do or expect.”
That risk looms larger as tensions simmer across the region. Although the conflict, centred on escalating hostilities involving the United States, Iran, and Israel, has not escalated into full-scale war, it has disrupted airspace, heightened security concerns, and affected daily life.
Bhutanese living in the GCC report hearing sirens and witnessing missile interceptions, even as businesses continue operating.
A Bhutanese living in the UAE said that missile interceptions are occurring daily. “While most of the businesses are operating as usual, we have to deal with mental challenges.”
Nim Dorji, a 26-year-old Bhutanese employee of Al-Ghunaim Trading Company Limited in Kuwait said that war is an undetermined and uncertain situation, unlike other issues. “If the tension escalates, the risk increases, and the lives of the Bhutanese could be lost.”
In Qatar, authorities issued a public safety alert on Friday at 9:59 AM, declaring that the security threat had been eliminated and the situation had returned to normal. The alert marked the first such notice since March 19.
According to a Bhutanese, the tourism sector has also been affected. Dubai is one of the world’s top travel tourism destinations, yet, due to the war, sales and inflow of visitors have reduced by huge numbers, putting pressure on the market, trade, and sales.
Beyond travel disruptions, economic ripple effects are beginning to surface.
Nim Dorji said that across GCC countries, supply disruptions are emerging as a major concern. Most countries rely heavily on imports for food and essential commodities. “With supply cuts, many stores are closing, jobs are being lost, and prices of goods are increasing sharply,” he said.
Across GCC countries, attacks on key infrastructure, military bases, and fuel pumps have occurred. Moreover, thousands of deaths, including civilians and children have been reported.
The Bhutanese community, though relatively small, is widely dispersed. As of March 27, 2026, a total of 7,350 Bhutanese have registered with the embassy, compared to 6,790 previously recorded. There are 5,531 Bhutanese in Kuwait, 1,171 in Qatar, 997 in the UAE, 147 in Bahrain, and 15 in Oman, totalling 7,861.
Donald Trump, US President announced a 10-day pause on attacks on Iran’s energy plants. The President has warned that pressure would increase if Iran did not comply, threatening to become its “worst nightmare” over reopening the strait and ending its nuclear programme. The US confirmed using uncrewed drone speedboats in the conflict and may deploy up to 10,000 additional troops, denying plans for a ground invasion.
D.N. Dhungyel, Minister for Foreign Affairs and External Trade said no Bhutanese nationals have been injured or harmed.
“The government and the RBE in Kuwait are monitoring the situation closely, with the embassy remaining in close touch with Bhutanese residing in the GCC countries,” Lyonpo said.
For now, evacuation is not deemed necessary. Instead, the embassy has focused on providing guidance on alternative travel routes and assisting those seeking voluntary departure.
Lyonpo said that contingency plans are in place should conditions deteriorate and evacuation handy. “Those facing difficulties, including issues related to passports, have been encouraged to seek assistance,” Lyonpo said. “The ongoing registration and co-ordination are essential for a timely response.”
He added that evacuation would depend on ground realities and the availability of safe routes, as airspace restrictions and limited flight operations pose practical challenges.