Australian Families in UAE Amid Middle East Tensions

0:00Sydney's story is making news on March 14th. Families in Australia with ties to the United Arab Emirates are on edge as missile and drone attacks disrupt life and Dubai amid rising Middle East. Tensions. Thousands of South Asians, mostly Indians, Pakistanis and Bangladeshis form the largest group of migrants there, totaling millions who keep the economy running in jobs like construction, delivery and services. White chaos has grounded tens of thousands of planes worldwide, closed much of the region's airspace and spiked ticket prices five to ten times, higher than normal. This makes escape nearly impossible for many families who have packed bags but can't afford to leave. Relatives back home describe in-laws and parents hunkering down, stocking essentials, working remotely and shielding kids from the fear. A primary school nephew, for example, has been learning online for a week, confused by the sudden changes. Lower-income workers face extra hurdles under the Kaffala sponsorship system, which ties

1:01visas to employers and enables abuses like passport, confiscation and deportation threats. Experts note these migrants support families back home and can't just walk away during a crisis. Meanwhile, speaking our risks, jobs or expulsion, with authorities cracking down on misinformation that stirs panic. Social media shows influencers posting upbeat scenes to counter fears, but families say the full story of anxiety stays hidden to protect their livelihoods. Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this episode. It is a pillow that plays your podcast and music without earbuds. Built for listening in bed, S-O-L-I, solelypillow.com