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Middle East Regional Update – Information for EoR Workers & Clients

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Written by Steve Gardiner
Updated over a week ago

Last updated: 10th March 2026

Mauve Group is closely monitoring developments across parts of the Middle East following recent regional escalation.

Some countries in the region are experiencing military action, increased security measures, and temporary airspace disruption. Developments are currently impacting Israel, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Iraq, Syria, Lebanon, and Jordan, with precautionary security or airspace measures in Saudi Arabia and Cyprus.

We are closely monitoring the region and will update guidance as needed. At present, there are no changes to Mauve’s operational capability; however, we are taking precautionary steps to ensure worker safety and employment compliance.

Workers in Dubai: Please note that the DMCC portal is now back online, although it is currently running very slowly, which may affect the speed of submissions and application processing. Work on pending applications, including visa renewals, has resumed where system access allows.

This page will be updated as guidance evolves.


What workers should do

If you are based in an impacted country:

Follow official authority guidance

Please rely on updates issued by:

  • Your local government authority

  • Civil defence or emergency management services

  • Official aviation authorities (if travelling)

Follow any instructions relating to:

  • Shelter-in-place guidance

  • Movement restrictions

  • Airspace or airport closures

  • Security advisories

Avoid relying on unverified social media reports.


Monitor travel carefully

If you are travelling or planning to travel, you may experience disruption due to airspace closures. Some practical tips include:

  • Checking directly with your airline before departing for the airport.

  • Monitoring official airport websites and channels for live updates.

  • Allowing for sudden cancellations or rerouting.


Keep Mauve updated regarding your safety and location

As your Employer of Record provider, it is very important that we know you are safe, and are aware of your physical working location.

If based in an impacted country, please contact us immediately at:

In your email, please confirm you are safe. Please let us know as soon as possible if you:

  • Relocate temporarily (even within the same country)

  • Leave the country

  • Anticipate relocating due to uncertainty

  • Experience travel disruption affecting your work location

  • Change your emergency contact details.

Keeping us up to date with this information ensures we can remain compliant with local employment regulations and provide appropriate support to you, where needed.


Stay in contact with your line manager

Please remain in regular communication with your supervisor regarding:

  • Your availability

  • Any disruption to your working hours

  • Any temporary change in your location


Information for clients

If you have workers engaged through Mauve in the impacted region:

  • Please maintain close contact with your worker(s).

  • Inform your Client Manager as soon as possible if you receive updates about:

    • A worker’s safety

    • A change in physical location

    • Planned relocation (temporary or permanent)

If you are considering relocating a worker, even temporarily, please speak with your Client Manager as soon as possible, ideally before confirming arrangements.

Location changes may have employment, tax, immigration or payroll implications, and we can advise accordingly.

We are continuing to monitor official guidance and will proactively update you if local conditions change in a way that impacts employment arrangements.


It is recommended that clients with employees travelling to, from, or within in the region should:

  • Facilitate remote working arrangements when and where possible: avoiding unnecessary travel at this time is recommended.

  • Remain up to date with changes to air travel and government guidance: this is a developing situation and changes may happen quickly.

  • Allow for flexibility with travel arrangements: your employee(s) may be impacted by flight cancellations or schedule disruptions.

  • Liaise with Client Managers regarding worker visa and travel authorisation: there may be delays in visa processing and consular appointments.


Consular processing updates

Schengen Consulates

All Schengen consulates have postponed all scheduled visa appointments until further notice. No new visa appointments are being issued at present.

Saudi Arabia Embassy

The Saudi Arabia embassy continues to accept visa applications, however there has been a noted increase in application rejections. Applicants should expect heightened scrutiny during the assessment process.

Türkiye Embassy

The Türkiye embassy is accepting applications. Applicants who qualify for eVisa or Visa on Arrival are encouraged to avail of these routes instead of manual applications.

Japan Embassy

The Japan embassy is still accepting applications. However, authorities are strongly encouraging eligible applicants to apply via eVisa or Visa on Arrival instead of manual submissions.


Aviation updates

Airspace restrictions remain in place across several jurisdictions, and these limitations continue to affect flight operations across the region. A number of airports are functioning on a limited or phased basis, with several hubs gradually resuming commercial services through controlled aviation corridors. Some are prioritising repatriation and essential flights, and schedules remain subject to change.

Travellers who may require evacuation support should contact their embassy or consulate for the most accurate and up‑to‑date guidance.

Airlines are also adjusting their schedules in response to the evolving situation, with many rerouting or cancelling flights at short notice. Anyone planning travel should monitor their airline’s updates closely and be prepared for changes.

General advice:

Workers travelling within or through the region should check airline updates directly before departure and allow for sudden schedule changes.

Emirates: With the partial re‑opening of airspace, Emirates is operating a reduced flight schedule until further notice. Please do not go to the airport unless you hold a confirmed booking for these flights.

  • Operating a reduced schedule due to partial airspace reopening

  • Customers with earlier bookings are being prioritised on available flights and should only proceed to the airport if they have a confirmed booking.

  • Transit in Dubai is only possible if the onward connecting flight is operating

  • Check-in points across Dubai are temporarily closed

Customers are advised to check flight status, review the latest operational updates on emirates.com, and check their email for any notifications about changes or cancellations to their flights before travelling to the airport.

Air Arabia: A limited number of flights to and from the UAE have restarted, subject to operational and regulatory approvals.

  • All airlines state that passengers should not travel unless they hold a confirmed ticket and are advised by their airline.

  • From 6th – 22nd March, limited flights will be operating between Sharjah, Abu Dhabi and Ras Al Khaimah to more than 40 destinations.

Flydubai: Flydubai is operating flights across its network with a reduced schedule.

  • Customers connecting through Dubai will only be accepted for travel from their origin if the connecting flight is operating.

  • Customers are advised not to travel to the airport unless they have a confirmed booking or official confirmation of a rebooked flight.

Etihad Airways: 6th March 2026 to 19th March, Etihad Airways will resume a limited commercial flight schedule, operating between Abu Dhabi and a number of destinations.

  • Passengers with previous bookings will be accommodated on these flights as soon as possible.

  • Passengers and members of the public should not travel to the airport unless they have been contacted directly by Etihad or hold a confirmed booking on one of these new flights.

  • The decision has been taken in coordination with relevant authorities following extensive safety and security assessments.

  • All services remain subject to operational approvals and may be adjusted depending on regional airspace conditions.

British Airways: British Airways remains unable to operate flights from Abu Dhabi, Amman, Bahrain, Doha, Dubai and Tel Aviv.

  • British Airways has scheduled flights from Oman's capital city Muscat to London Heathrow, on 10th, 11th and 12th March. These flights are for BA customers who are in Oman or the UAE with an existing booking.

Qatar Airways: Scheduled flight operations remain temporarily suspended due to the closure of Qatari airspace.

  • Qatar Airways will resume operations once the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority announces the safe full reopening of Qatari airspace by the relevant authorities.

  • Temporary authorisation has been granted for limited operating corridors for specific flights to and from Doha. Qatar Airways said these flights do not constitute a confirmation of the resumption of scheduled commercial operations.

Oman Air: Oman Air has confirmed that flights to and from Amman, Dubai, Bahrain, Doha, Dammam, Kuwait, Copenhagen, Baghdad, and Khasab are cancelled from 9th – 15th March.

  • Muscat Airport has announced that all passengers planning to travel from its facilities must now reconfirm their flight bookings.


Frequently asked questions – Workers

Q: Do I need to relocate?

A: Mauve does not direct relocation decisions. Please follow official local authority guidance and discuss any personal decisions with your line manager. If you do relocate, please inform us as soon as possible.

Q: What happens if I leave the country temporarily?

A: You must notify [email protected] as soon as possible. Working from a different country can have compliance and immigration implications, and we'll need to assess this.

Q: What if flights are cancelled or airspace closes?

A: Monitor airline communications and official aviation authority updates. Inform both Mauve and your manager if your working location changes as a result.

Q: Who should I contact for support?

A: Please contact [email protected] for employment-related matters. You should follow the guidance of local authorities and any emergency management services for safety updates. Try to avoid unverified information sources.


Frequently asked questions – Clients

Q: Do we need to suspend work arrangements?

A: Mauve is continuing to operate as normal, but we encourage you to make these decisions based on your business needs and worker safety, keeping us informed via your dedicated Client Manager. We’ll share any relevant local updates to support your decision-making.

Q: What should we do if our worker relocates?

A: Inform your allotted Client Manager as soon as you can. Temporary or permanent location changes may trigger employment, payroll, tax or immigration considerations.

Q: Can we relocate our worker to another country temporarily?

A: Potentially, but this must be properly reviewed, ideally before implementation. Please contact your Client Manager to discuss feasibility and compliance requirements.

Q: Will Mauve notify us if the situation escalates?

A: Yes. We are actively monitoring developments and will communicate directly if there are material changes affecting employment arrangements. We're also in touch with our local partners for any updates.


Ongoing monitoring and updates

Please be advised that, in the interest of safety, we are continuously monitoring:

  • Official government advisories

  • Civil defence updates

  • Aviation authority announcements

  • Local partner guidance

This page will be updated if:

  • There are changes affecting employment compliance

  • There are material changes to airspace or security conditions

  • Additional guidance becomes necessary


If you are a worker requiring support, please contact:

We will be happy to assist you.

Clients should contact their assigned Client Manager directly.

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