Indian Embassy in UAE Urges Nationals to Stay Alert Amid Regional Tensions
Advisory for Indian Nationals in the UAE
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has issued a warning to Indian citizens residing in the United Arab Emirates, urging them to remain cautious and adhere to the safety protocols set by local authorities due to the ongoing situation in the region. The embassy's advisory emphasized the importance of staying vigilant, calm, and following the official guidelines provided by UAE authorities.
For assistance, Indian nationals can reach out to the embassy's 24/7 helplines: Toll-free number: 800-46342, WhatsApp: +971 543090571, or via email at pbsk.dubai@mea.gov.in and ca.abudhabi@mea.gov.in.
Currently, the UAE airspace is closed, and regular flight operations are temporarily halted due to these exceptional circumstances. However, limited non-scheduled flights to various destinations in India have commenced, coordinated with UAE authorities and subject to safety approvals.
Indian nationals who are stranded can utilize these flights by contacting their airlines. Additionally, the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Authority has announced a waiver of overstay fines for those whose visas expired after February 28 and are unable to leave due to the current situation.
The embassy confirmed that its operations in Abu Dhabi and the consulate in Dubai, along with outsourced passport, consular, and visa services, are functioning normally.
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The advisory reiterated that the Government of India prioritizes the safety and well-being of its citizens abroad and is closely monitoring the situation. The embassy is maintaining communication with UAE authorities and community leaders to ensure the welfare of the Indian community.
Further updates and advisories will be communicated through the embassy's website and social media channels. In response to the escalating crisis in West Asia, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has established a control room to assist affected individuals. The MEA highlighted that nearly one crore Indian citizens reside in West Asia, and their safety is of utmost concern for New Delhi.
As tensions between Iran and the US escalated, the Indian embassy in Iran successfully relocated hundreds of Indian students from Tehran to safer areas. The MEA announced the establishment of a Control Room to address the current situation in West Asia and the Gulf region.
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The Control Room can be contacted from 9 am to 9 pm at: 1800118797 (Toll-Free), +91 11 2301 2113, +91 11 2301 4104, and +91 11 2301 7905.
Recent military actions by the US against Iran have heightened tensions, leading to retaliatory attacks by Iran targeting Israel and US military installations across several Gulf nations, including the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia.