Middle East conflict: Considerations for employers

Security conditions may change rapidly in the major Middle Eastern hubs, with flow‑on impacts for Australian residents, travellers and businesses.

Australians currently in, travelling to, or transiting near conflict‑affected areas are urged to remain vigilant and take immediate steps to protect their safety.

Australians in the region

Australians in conflict‑affected areas should prioritise personal safety, closely monitor local conditions and follow official local advice.

Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) advice includes to::

• Register with DFAT where eligible
• Stay in regular contact with airlines or travel agents regarding flight availability
• Make contingency plans to leave the area if it is safe to do so
• Monitor Smartraveller for the latest travel advice and subscribe for updates
• Check travel insurance policies to understand coverage in the event of cancellations or disruptions

Updated Smartraveller Advice

Smartraveller has issued various levels of travel warnings to Bahrain, Israel, Kuwait, Lebanon, Qatar, United Arab Emirates, Iran, Iraq, Palestine, Syria, Yemen, Jordan, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

For the latest country‑specific advice, see Middle East Travel Advice & Safety on Smartraveller.

Consular support

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has activated its 24/7 Crisis Centre to provide consular assistance to Australians in the region. 

Australian citizens, permanent residents and their immediate family in Israel, Iran, Qatar and the UAE can register with DFAT.

The registration portal is available to Australian citizens, permanent residents, and their immediate family members who have the right of entry into Australia. Registration helps DFAT provide timely information and assistance during rapidly evolving situations.

Travel disruptions

Even for travellers not bound for the Middle East, the escalating conflict is disrupting major Gulf transit hubs, including Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi.

Given the heavy reliance on these hubs for Australia–Europe travel, delays, rerouting and cancellations may affect travellers well beyond the immediate conflict zone.

Business and other travellers are advised to check airline updates or contact their travel manager before heading to the airport.

Trade implications

The port and airport in Dubai were impacted and are closed. The Strait of Hormuz is also closed to shipping. This will have an impact for any goods already in transit or ready for export.

The Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's (ACCI's) advice to clients is to contact their customs broker and/or shipping agent. Clients will also need to review their contracts and insurance policies. There are likely to be disruptions for the foreseeable future. For businesses with operations in the region, please refer to the DFAT Crisis Hub.

More information is available via the Austrade Go Global Toolkit.

What employers should know

For businesses with staff travelling through or near the region, employers should:

• Audit staff currently transiting through, or booked via, major Gulf hubs
• Reassess approvals for travel to countries subject to travel warnings
• Confirm corporate travel insurance exclusions and considerations
• Ensure relevant employees have up‑to‑date emergency contacts and clear escalation protocols
• Where required, confirm staff are registered with DFAT to receive direct updates

Australians requiring emergency consular assistance can contact DFAT’s 24‑hour Consular Emergency Centre on 1300 555 135 within Australia and +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas.

The Victorian Chamber is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East and we will continue to update this page as new information comes to hand, particularly in relation to trade and business disruption.

Advice is accurate as of 4 March 2026. Given the evolving situation, travellers should regularly check DFAT for the latest updates.