On Sunday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) contacted foreign nationals in India whose trip plans had been cancelled due to the ongoing escalation in tensions in West Asia.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MEA) has issued new advice advising anyone having trouble obtaining a visa as a result of airline delays or cancellations to get in touch with their local Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) for assistance in extending or regularising their stay. To alleviate some of the anxiety that travellers were experiencing, the ministry promised that the relevant FRROs would help with the required paperwork.
Airspace restrictions and extensive travel disruptions across areas of the Middle East have resulted from recent US-Israeli strikes on Iran, and the regional situation remains unstable in light of this warning.
Concurrently, India has been strongly encouraging its own residents in the area to remain vigilant. As the security situation changes, Indian people should remain near designated shelters, avoid non-essential travel, and exercise “utmost caution”, according to the Indian Embassy in Tel Aviv. In addition, there is an emergency hotline that is available at all times for quick assistance.
Missions in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Jordan have urged residents to be on the lookout, adhere to local regulations, and maintain contact with their embassies; Indians in Iran have been told to stay indoors as much as possible.
Keeping yourself informed, following all visa regulations, and seeking assistance from authorities are all important during this difficult time, especially with aircraft being rerouted, airspaces closing, and travel plans altering at short notice, according to the MEA’s warning.
