KUALA LUMPUR - Indonesia has begun providing counselling services to migrant workers affected by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, focusing on those experiencing psychological distress.

Minister for the Protection of Indonesian Migrant Workers (P2MI) Mukhtarudin said support is being delivered both online and in person through the ministry, diaspora networks and Indonesian representatives abroad.

“We are providing counseling, both online and directly, through the P2MI Ministry, diaspora networks, and our representatives in those countries,” he said, as cited from Antara.

He noted that while no Indonesian migrant workers have been physically harmed by the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran, some have reported trauma.

“Our migrant workers in the Middle East have not been physically affected so far, but trauma, possibly from seeing missiles pass by or hearing explosions,” he said.

The affected workers are primarily based in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Jordan and Kuwait.

He stressed that no Indonesian migrant workers are placed in active conflict zones.

“Iran is not a placement country for migrant workers. If there are Indonesians there, they are likely there independently,” he said.

The minister added that no formal-sector Indonesian migrant workers are deployed in Iran, although a small number of Indonesians may be present there on their own.

Authorities said they are maintaining close communication with Indonesian embassies across the region to monitor conditions and ensure worker safety.

Around 100,000 Indonesian migrant workers in the Middle East have not requested repatriation, indicating that conditions remain stable.

Mukhtarudin said the government stands ready to assist with evacuation if the situation deteriorates.

“We receive updates from our embassies such as the one in Dubai regarding the conditions there, and we will inform any developments to their families in Indonesia,” he added.

The government continues to permit Indonesians to work in the Middle East under formal employment arrangements, while the deployment of domestic workers remains temporarily suspended.