Dutch Companies Rush to Evacuate Staff from Middle East War Zone
Several Dutch companies have begun evacuating non-essential staff and their families from the Middle East following the outbreak of war in the region, according to FD (Het Financieele Dagblad).
Major firms including Boskalis, Shell, and TenneT confirmed that employees were given the option to return home. The evacuations were voluntary, and companies have not disclosed exact numbers of staff involved.
Shell allowed employees who could work remotely to leave the region along with their families. A company spokesperson emphasized that employee safety remains the top priority. The company operates in multiple Middle Eastern locations, including Qatar, but did not specify how many workers chose to evacuate.
Boskalis also arranged the return of personnel, initially prioritizing visitors and employees with families who wished to leave. According to the company, fewer than half of its Middle East workforce participated in the voluntary relocation program, though precise figures were not shared.
Similarly, TenneT has taken steps to repatriate staff from the region. However, the company did not provide further details about the number of employees affected or the specific locations involved.