Daijiworld Media Network – Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 9: The Government of Karnataka is closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and Gulf region to ensure the welfare of state residents stranded during transit or short-duration visits. In a high-level review, the Chief Secretary informed the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) that country-wise lists of stranded Kannadigas are being shared daily with the Rapid Response Cell in New Delhi.
According to the State Emergency Operations Centre (SEOC), while 278 persons have safely returned to Karnataka, approximately 230 individuals remain stranded in various Middle Eastern countries as of date.
Transit visa request for Qatar passengers
Due to the continued airspace closure in Qatar, many stranded individuals are attempting to travel by land to Saudi Arabia to board onward flights to India. The state government has formally requested the MEA to facilitate the issuance of temporary transit visas through the Indian Embassy in Doha to enable this journey via the Salwa land border.
The Embassy of India in Doha has opened a registration link (https://forms.gle/oTwqEQYa4z220X4W7) specifically for those currently stranded in transit in Qatar who possess confirmed tickets departing from Saudi Arabia.
Waiver of overstay fines in UAE
In the United Arab Emirates, while regular scheduled flights remain suspended, limited non-scheduled operations have commenced to multiple Indian destinations. For those stranded after February 28 whose visas have expired, the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Custom & Port Authority (ICP) has announced a waiver of overstay fines.
24x7 monitoring and helplines
The SEOC and all District Emergency Operations Centres (DEOCs) across Karnataka are functioning 24x7 to assist affected individuals and their families.
MEA Special Control Room (9 am to 9 pm):
Embassy Helplines:
Local District Emergency Numbers:
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Dakshina Kannada: 0824-2442590
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Udupi: 0820-1077 / 0820-2574802
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Bengaluru Urban: 080-22967200
The government has urged residents in the affected regions to strictly adhere to local safety guidelines and stay in constant contact with Indian Embassies through the notified helpline numbers.