The husband is in Iran looking for some kind of work, probably a hamal.    From Wordnik.com.  [Afghan Connections published by Friends of Afghanistan] Reference

It is while looking at what seems both externally and internally complete and perfect happiness that the thought occurs — how must these people sigh, when driven across the dreary wilderness that intervenes between the lake country and the sea-coast, for such homes as these! — those unfortunates who, bought by the Arabs for a couple of doti, are taken away to Zanzibar to pick cloves, or do hamal work!.    From Wordnik.com.  [How I Found Livingstone] Reference

He went and fetched the hamal, who slunk through his task with the air of a condemned felon.    From Wordnik.com.  [Guns of the Gods]

Chamu drove the hamal away in front of him, and cuffed him the minute they were out of sight.    From Wordnik.com.  [Guns of the Gods]

Scarcely had we returned, indeed, before another patient hamal knocked, lugging the hapless bird.    From Wordnik.com.  [Antwerp to Gallipoli A Year of the War on Many Fronts—and Behind Them] Reference

A peacock reposing majestically in the arms of a patient hamal appeared at the front door, a souvenir for "his excellency.".    From Wordnik.com.  [Antwerp to Gallipoli A Year of the War on Many Fronts—and Behind Them] Reference