Workers affected by the closure of Dubai’s Iranian Hospital fear job losses, visa complications and an uncertain future
Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has urged the Indian government to intervene on behalf of healthcare professionals facing visa-related difficulties following the closure of the Iranian Hospital in Dubai.
In a letter addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7 June, Satheesan said a group of Indian healthcare workers, most of them from Kerala, had been left in a precarious position after the hospital ceased operations amid ongoing tensions in West Asia.
According to the Chief Minister, many nurses and other healthcare professionals formerly employed at the hospital are encountering restrictions affecting their ability to secure employment visas, visit visas and dependent visas in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The situation has placed several long-term residents and their families under significant financial and emotional strain.
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Satheesan described the matter as an urgent humanitarian concern, noting that many of the affected workers have spent years contributing to the UAE’s healthcare sector
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He warned that some individuals are nearing the end of their visa grace periods and could soon be forced to leave the country
The Chief Minister said the uncertainty has created anxiety among numerous Malayali families whose livelihoods, homes and children’s education are closely tied to life in the UAE. He added that the loss of residency status could also affect future employment prospects and professional licensing for healthcare workers.
In his appeal, Satheesan called on the Ministry of External Affairs to coordinate with the Indian Embassy in the UAE and relevant local authorities to explore a fair and compassionate resolution. He urged the Centre to take immediate steps to safeguard the welfare of affected Indian citizens and help prevent further hardship.
The closure of the Dubai-based hospital has raised concerns among expatriate communities, particularly those with long-standing professional and family ties to the Gulf region, as uncertainty continues over the future of affected employees.
