Over 15 lakh Telangana workers in Gulf: Nagarkurnool MLA Rajesh Reddy says rescue flights underway

Nagarkurnool: As of March, over 1.5 million people from Telangana are estimated to be working across the Gulf region, with a significant number hailing from the Nagarkurnool constituency and surrounding districts. The ongoing Israel-USA and Iran war has created deep anxiety among local families who rely on remittances from these workers for their livelihoods.

Govt has started special relief flights

Speaking on the escalating conflict in the Middle East, Nagarkurnool MLA Kuchakulla Rajesh Reddy has expressed solidarity with thousands of migrant workers from the region currently stranded in Gulf nations.

The MLA has urged families in Nagarkurnool not to panic, noting that the Indian government has already begun facilitating ‘rescue’ and special relief flights to clear the backlog of stranded passengers.

Safety measures

MLA Rajesh Reddy emphasised that the safety of these ‘backbone’ workers is the administration’s highest priority.

He confirmed that the Telangana State Government is in continuous coordination with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and Indian Embassies in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and Bahrain.

The impact on Telangana’s diaspora

According to recent data compiled by regional experts, the Indian population in the Gulf stands at nearly 8.9 million.

With an estimated 17 per cent of this population hailing from Telangana, the state has a massive stake in the stability of the region.

Estimated Telangana population in the Gulf (until March 2026)

UAE - 5,81,379

Saudi Arabia - 4,40,668

Kuwait - 1,74,807

Oman - 1,32,490

Qatar - 1,26,782

Bahrain - 4,960

Total - 15,11,086

Stay in contact with Indian embassies

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the people of Nagarkurnool and the surrounding areas stranded abroad. I stand in complete solidarity with them and assure their families that we are doing everything possible to ensure their safe return or well-being during this crisis,” said Rajesh Reddy.

He advised those with relatives abroad to stay in contact with the nearest Indian Consular offices and follow official travel advisories.

Rajesh Reddy emphasised that the state remains vigilant and ready to extend all necessary logistical and diplomatic support until the situation stabilises.