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South Koreans Evacuate Middle East Amid Crisis with Embassy Help

South Korean diplomatic missions are assisting citizens in evacuating from multiple Middle Eastern nations to safer locations and facilitating their return home. Evacuations have occurred from Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Iran, Israel, Bahrain, and Iraq. The first direct commercial flight from Dubai since the onset of regional hostilities brought over 370 South Koreans back to Incheon International Airport. The government estimates thousands of its citizens remain in the region, with many short-term travelers stranded due to canceled flights.

Key Points: South Koreans Evacuate Middle East with Embassy Assistance

  • 65 evacuated from Qatar to Saudi Arabia
  • 41 short-term visitors departed Jordan
  • 14+ evacuated from Kuwait with embassy support
  • First direct flight from Dubai brings 372 home
2 min read

South Koreans evacuate from Qatar, Jordan with embassy assistance amid Middle East crisis

South Korean nationals evacuated from Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and other Middle Eastern nations with embassy support amid regional crisis. Hundreds return home.

"Returning travelers embraced with family members at the airport, with some wiping tears of relief following days of uncertainty."

Seoul, March 7

South Korean nationals stranded across the Middle East in the wake of a regional crisis are continuing to evacuate to safer areas with assistance from local diplomatic missions, the foreign ministry said Saturday.

According to the ministry, 65 South Koreans who had been staying in Qatar safely moved to neighboring Saudi Arabia from Tuesday to Friday.

In Jordan, where commercial flights remain in operation, 41 South Korean short-term visitors departed the country from Thursday to Friday. The South Korean Embassy in Jordan dispatched a support team to an airport in Amman to assist with departure procedures.

In Kuwait, 14 South Korean nationals and one foreign spouse also traveled to Saudi Arabia with the support of the embassy.

The ministry said it has also supported South Koreans in other parts of the region, helping 25 people in Iran, 113 in Israel, 14 in Bahrain and five in Iraq move to neighboring countries so they can return home, Yonhap news agency reported.

Earlier, on March 6, more than 370 South Koreans returned home aboard the first direct flight from Dubai since last week's US-Israeli air strikes on Iran.

The Emirates flight arrived at Incheon International Airport, west of Seoul, around 8:25 p.m., carrying 422 passengers, including 372 South Koreans, the officials had said.

It was the first direct commercial flight to head for Incheon from the United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s Dubai since the war on Iran began last weekend.

The government earlier said it had consulted with the UAE government to enable the safe return of South Koreans from the Middle East on direct flights.

Around 18,000 South Koreans are currently believed to be in 14 Middle Eastern nations, including 4,900 short-term travelers, of whom 3,500 are stranded due to canceled flights, according to the government.

Returning travelers embraced with family members at the airport, with some wiping tears of relief following days of uncertainty.

Others also told similar stories of hearing loud bangs from drone interceptions and bombing.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Arjun K
It's a scary situation. Reminds me of Operation Raahat when India evacuated citizens from Yemen. Hope all the stranded people, including any Indians there, get home safely.
R
Rohit P
18,000 people is a huge number to manage. The logistics must be a nightmare. Respect to the embassy staff working on the ground in such tense conditions.
S
Sarah B
The part about hearing "loud bangs from drone interceptions" is chilling. Can't imagine the stress. Travel advisories are there for a reason, especially for short-term visitors.
V
Vikram M
While the evacuation effort is commendable, it also highlights a recurring issue. Shouldn't countries have more robust contingency plans for their citizens abroad before a crisis peaks? Just a thought.
K
Karthik V
So many Indians work in the Gulf. This news makes me worry about our people there too. Hope our MEA is closely monitoring and has plans ready if needed. Jai Hind.

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