Seoul, March 7: Amid escalating regional tensions, South Korean citizens stranded in various parts of the Middle East are being evacuated to safety with the assistance of local diplomatic missions. The South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported this on Saturday.
According to the ministry, efforts to transport South Korean citizens to safe locations continue amidst the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
The ministry noted that 65 South Koreans residing in Qatar were safely transported to neighboring Saudi Arabia between Tuesday and Friday.
In Jordan, where commercial flights are still operational, 41 South Korean short-term travelers departed between Thursday and Friday. The South Korean embassy in Jordan dispatched a support team to assist with departure procedures at Amman Airport.
Additionally, 14 South Korean citizens and one foreign partner in Kuwait were helped by the embassy to reach Saudi Arabia. The embassy has also provided assistance to South Koreans in other parts of the region. This includes helping 25 individuals in Iran, 113 in Israel, 14 in Bahrain, and five in Iraq to return to their home country.
Earlier on Friday, over 370 South Korean citizens returned home on the first direct flight from Dubai since the conflict began last week.
This Emirates flight arrived at Incheon International Airport around 8:25 PM, carrying 372 South Korean nationals. It marked the first direct commercial flight from Dubai to Incheon since the onset of hostilities against Iran.
South Korea previously announced that it had coordinated with the UAE government to ensure the safe return of its citizens from the Middle East via direct flights.
Currently, approximately 18,000 South Korean citizens are present in 14 countries across the Middle East. Among them, 4,900 are short-term travelers, while around 3,500 are stranded due to flight cancellations.
Passengers returning to the airport embraced their family members, with many seen wiping away tears of relief after days of uncertainty.
Some travelers reported hearing the sounds of explosions during drone strike actions and bombings.
– JK/Piyush
Leave a Comment