Department of State Evacuation Guidance: What U.S. Companies Should Communicate to Employees in the Middle East

In light of escalating regional instability, the U.S. Department of State has issued updated travel advisories and security alerts affecting several Middle Eastern countries. U.S. companies with personnel stationed or traveling in the region should immediately review mobility, duty-of-care, and contingency protocols.

This alert outlines practical steps employers should take to advise and protect employees abroad.

Evacuation Is Not Guaranteed — Plan for Self-Departure

The Department of State does not guarantee evacuation of private U.S. citizens. Government-organized departures:

• Are rare and condition-dependent
• May be delayed
• May require reimbursement
• May prioritize vulnerable individuals

Employer Action Item:

Instruct employees to depart using commercial options while flights remain available. Do not rely on potential U.S. government evacuation.

Identify Employees in High-Risk Countries

As of March 2026, Level 4 “Do Not Travel” advisories or elevated warnings include:

• Iran
• Iraq
• Lebanon
• Syria
• Yemen

Conditions may include airspace closures, missile activity, internal unrest, or embassy staffing reductions.

Employer Action Item:

Immediately confirm:

• Exact employee locations
• Immigration status in-country
• Passport validity
• Dependents present
• Local contact information

Require Enrollment in STEP

All U.S. citizen employees abroad should enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) through the U.S. Department of State.

STEP allows embassies to:

• Issue direct emergency notifications
• Provide evacuation instructions
• Share assembly-point guidance

Employer Action Item:

Incorporate STEP enrollment into your corporate travel compliance checklist.

Address Dual National Risk Exposure

Employees who are dual nationals may face heightened risk, including:

• Exit restrictions
• Conscription obligations
• Detention risks
• Limited U.S. consular access

For example, U.S.–Iranian dual nationals in Iran may not be recognized as U.S. citizens.

Employer Action Item:

Conduct confidential risk assessments for dual nationals before advising continued presence in-country.

Immigration & Reentry Considerations

Companies should consider:

• Visa validity for third-country nationals
• U.S. reentry documentation for employees returning stateside
• Lawful permanent resident (LPR) abandonment concerns
• Expiring work visas abroad
• Pending consular processing interruptions

If employees must depart urgently, confirm:

• Passport validity
• I-551 validity (for LPRs)
• Advance parole documentation
• Visa stamping status

Prepare Corporate Evacuation Protocols

Companies should not wait for a crisis declaration. Recommended measures:

• Establish decision thresholds for mandatory departure
• Pre-authorize emergency travel budgets
• Coordinate with global mobility providers
• Confirm travel insurance and evacuation coverage
• Secure secure communication channels (satellite, backup apps)

Many airports may close with minimal notice.

Duty of Care & Liability Exposure

Employers have potential duty-of-care obligations to:

• Assess foreseeable risks
• Provide timely warnings
• Offer evacuation support
• Avoid pressuring employees to remain in dangerous areas

Failure to act proactively could create:

• Workers’ compensation exposure
• Negligence claims
• Reputational risk

Document all advisories and employee communications.

Consider Suspension of Non-Essential Travel

Companies should evaluate:

• Immediate suspension of travel to high-risk countries
• Relocation of regional hubs
• Remote work alternatives
• Temporary reassignment

Once airspace closes, relocation becomes exponentially more difficult.

Monitor Embassy Operations

U.S. embassies in affected countries may:

• Order departure of non-essential staff
• Limit consular services
• Suspend visa processing
• Issue shelter-in-place instructions

Corporate HR and mobility teams should monitor embassy security alerts daily.

Communicate Clearly and Frequently

Employees need:

• Clear company position on travel safety
• Evacuation reimbursement policies
• Emergency contacts
• Mental health support access
• Reentry planning assistance

Proactive communication reduces panic and liability.

Strategic Corporate Recommendation

Companies with personnel in volatile regions should:

• Convene cross-functional crisis teams (HR, legal, security, mobility)
• Conduct immediate risk audits
• Encourage voluntary departure where appropriate
• Prepare for sudden border closures

The U.S. Department of State consistently advises departure when commercial options remain available. WR Immigration will continue to monitor updates as they come in.