How the Crisis in the Middle East Affects International Mobility

The recent escalation of violence in the Middle East — with attacks involving the United States, Israel, and Iran, and the closure of airspace in several countries — has had far-reaching humanitarian and logistical consequences. Beyond affecting tourists and residents, this situation poses specific challenges for companies with employees on assignment in the region, international mobility programs, and expatriate professionals.

In this article, we analyze what is currently known, how this crisis may impact workforce mobility, and what practical measures both employees and companies can take to better manage the situation in the context of international mobility.

Impact of the Crisis and Consular Operations

Spain, like other countries, has activated assistance mechanisms for its citizens in the Middle East due to airspace closures and security concerns. According to official sources, more than 30,000 Spaniards are currently in countries across the region, and consulates and embassies remain operational to provide assistance, albeit with reduced capacity due to the circumstances.

Additionally, the Spanish government has begun evacuation operations for citizens from countries like the United Arab Emirates to Spain, prioritizing safety and using available routes when airspace allows.

What Does This Mean for Displaced Workers and Expatriates?

Although some consular services remain active, visa, work permit, and renewal services may be affected, as:

• Embassies and consulates prioritize emergency assistance.
• Airspace closures prevent in-person appointments or the delivery of physical documentation.
• Services may focus on emergencies such as evacuations, citizen protection, and issuing temporary documentation.

This means that standard international mobility timelines and procedures may be delayed or temporarily redirected, which companies and professionals planning assignments in the region should take into account.

What to Do When Embassies Are Limited?

When consular services in the country where the employee is located are restricted, alternatives may include:

• Spanish embassies or consulates in nearby countries that are still operating normally and can assume certain consular responsibilities.
• Consular services in Spain that can advise on remote procedures or alternatives when physical presence is not possible.
• Use of electronic platforms enabled for certain processes (if available), including remote renewals or online applications where regulations allow.

Each case depends on the country, diplomatic decisions, and the national immigration and mobility regulations of each state.

 

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Employee and Expatriate Safety: What to Do If You Are in a Conflict Zone

Although most people affected in the Middle East are safe, authorities recommend taking basic measures to ensure personal safety in risky situations, such as:

• Seek safe shelter and avoid unnecessary travel, especially near critical infrastructure.
• Always carry your passport and documentation, keeping accessible digital copies.
• Keep essential supplies (food, water, medication) in case of service interruptions.
• Contact the nearest embassy or consulate as soon as possible to register your presence and situation.
• Use consular emergency phone numbers if the situation worsens and immediate assistance is needed.

Within the consular context, it is important to note that forced evacuation cannot be guaranteed if airspace is closed or security conditions prevent it. Authorities can provide guidance, issue temporary documentation (such as safe-conduct passes), and give information on safe routes, but repatriation cannot be assured without operational feasibility.

Implications for HR and International Mobility Departments

For companies with employees in conflict zones, the crisis in the Middle East poses several practical challenges:

Risk Scenario Planning

Border or airspace closures and reduced consular services can affect operational continuity and visa or renewal timelines. Companies should include these scenarios in their mobility plans and have alternative strategies to manage documentation and changing situations.

Employee Communication

It is crucial to establish up-to-date communication channels and protocols to keep employees informed about security updates, official recommendations, and consular assistance.

Coordination with Consular Services

Encouraging employees to register in the Traveler Registry of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and maintain contact with embassies or consulates can help authorities locate them in case of emergency.

How Can We Help?

The current crisis in the Middle East demonstrates that geopolitical contingencies can directly impact international mobility processes for both employees and companies with global programs.

Priority must always be the safety of individuals, as well as adapting mobility policies and managing documentation in situations where basic consular services may be affected or limited. Having expert support in international mobility can be decisive.

Important Notice: The situation in the Middle East can change rapidly. Before making decisions regarding travel or evacuations, it is essential to always consult up-to-date official sources, such as embassies, consulates, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.