Indians in UAE: Embassy issues safety alert, asks citizens to take precautions
New Delhi (The Uttam Hindu): A highly tense atmosphere persists in the Middle East for the sixth consecutive day. Amidst the tensions, governments and embassies of various countries are continuously issuing advisories. The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has issued an advisory. Meanwhile, the Omani government has assured the public that it is in constant contact with the governments of all countries.
Additionally, Indian students stranded at Iran's Arak University of Medical Sciences have appealed to the Indian government to evacuate them. Oman's current Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, wrote on the social media platform X, "To all those hoping to return home from the Gulf, the Government of Oman, in collaboration with your governments and international airlines, is arranging flights to bring you back home. We mean everyone, regardless of your passport. Citizens of all countries have the human right to safety. People matter, let's stop the war now."
Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi wrote, "Given the current situation in the UAE and the region, all Indian nationals currently in the UAE are advised to remain vigilant. Please adhere to the safety guidelines of the UAE authorities and also follow official advisories issued from time to time. In view of the extraordinary circumstances, airspace and regular scheduled flight operations have been temporarily suspended."
The Indian Embassy further stated that, however, Indian and UAE airlines, in coordination with UAE authorities, have commenced limited non-scheduled flight operations to several destinations in India, subject to operational and security approvals from the relevant authorities. Stranded Indian nationals may avail of these flights by contacting their respective airlines.
For those whose visas have expired, the embassy said, “For those stranded after February 28 and whose visas have expired, the UAE Federal Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Authority (ICP) has announced a waiver of overstay fines for visitors (tourist/visit visas) and others who are unable to depart due to these extraordinary circumstances.
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai and their outsourced passport, consular and visa services are functioning normally.”