New Delhi :The situation in the Middle East continues to remain highly tense for the sixth consecutive day, prompting governments and diplomatic missions across the region to issue safety advisories for their citizens. Amid the escalating Iran-related crisis and regional security concerns, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has urged Indian nationals in the United Arab Emirates to remain cautious and follow local safety guidelines.
At the same time, the Government of Oman has assured that it is closely coordinating with several countries to facilitate the safe return of foreign nationals stranded in the Gulf region. Oman’s Foreign Minister, Sayyid Badr bin Hamad Al Busaidi, addressed the situation through a post on the social media platform X, stating that the Omani government, in collaboration with various governments and international airlines, is arranging flights for people wishing to return to their home countries.
In his message, he emphasized humanitarian concerns, saying the arrangements are being made for everyone regardless of nationality. He stated that citizens of all countries have the fundamental human right to safety and urged for an end to the ongoing conflict, highlighting that people’s lives must come first.
Meanwhile, Indian students stranded at Iran’s Arak University of Medical Sciences have appealed to the Government of India for immediate evacuation as tensions in the region continue to escalate.
In its advisory, the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi stated that due to the evolving security situation in the UAE and the wider Middle East region, all Indian citizens currently residing in the UAE should remain vigilant and strictly follow the safety instructions issued by UAE authorities. The embassy also advised citizens to regularly monitor official advisories and updates.
The embassy noted that due to the extraordinary circumstances, airspace restrictions and temporary suspension of regular scheduled flight operations have affected travel in the region. However, in coordination with UAE authorities, Indian and UAE airlines have resumed limited non-scheduled flight services to several destinations in India, subject to necessary operational and security clearances.
Stranded Indian nationals have been advised to contact their respective airlines to avail these special flight services.
Addressing concerns regarding visa validity, the embassy informed that the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has announced a waiver of overstay fines for individuals whose visas expired after February 28 and who are unable to leave the country due to the ongoing crisis.
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi also clarified that its services, along with the Consulate in Dubai and outsourced passport, consular, and visa service centres, are continuing to operate normally to assist Indian citizens during this challenging situation.