The Indian Embassy in Qatar has issued an advisory to Indian nationals living in the Gulf country urging them to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel due to the ongoing situation in the region.
“Due to the current security situation, all Indians in Qatar are requested to strictly follow the instructions issued by the Qatari authorities, particularly the Ministry of Interior,” the advisory issued on Friday said.
The Indian embassy noted that Qatari officials urged all residents to stay in safe places, avoid going out except in cases of extreme necessity, and stay away from windows and exposed areas.
Qatar under attack from Iran
Like other countries in the Middle East, Qatar has also come under drone and missile attacks from Iran in retaliation for the US-Israeli strikes that killed its Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on February 28.
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Al Udeid Air Base, located southwest of Doha, Qatar, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East and the forward headquarters of the Central Command, has come under constant Iranian attack in the past few days.
Due to the ongoing uncertainty, Qatar has closed its airspace and all flight operations have been temporarily suspended.
Qatar extends visas for stranded travelers
Qatar is home to a large Indian population estimated at around 830,000 to 836,000, making it the largest expatriate community in the country.
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The closure of airspace and suspension of flight operations has left many, including Indian nationals, stranded in Qatar. Taking into account the extraordinary circumstances, Qatar has announced a one-month extension of all categories of entry visas that have expired or are about to expire, allowing those stranded in the country to remain there legally.
Indians can leave Qatar via Saudi Arabia
The Indian embassy said on Friday that Indian nationals seeking emergency exit from Qatar can do so through the Salwa land border crossing to Saudi Arabia.
“In case of emergency, an option is currently open to leave Qatar through the Salwa land border crossing to Saudi Arabia. Indian nationals who hold a US, UK or Schengen visa (which has been used at least once) can obtain a visa on arrival in Saudi Arabia. Other Indian nationals who wish to travel through Saudi Arabia can apply for Saudi visas as per the proper procedures,” the embassy said.
Temporary transit visa to Saudi Arabia
The embassy further said it is facilitating a temporary transit visa to Saudi Arabia for Indians with confirmed tickets to travel from there.
“All other logistical arrangements related to travel to the Salwa border crossing and further to the airport of departure etc. will have to be done by everyone themselves,” he said.
The Indian mission also said that the embassy in Doha is still available for the welfare of the Indian community.
“The embassy’s 24×7 helpline numbers are +974 55647502 or +97455362508. Inquiries can also be made to the embassy at the email address: cons.doha@mea.gov.in,” the adviser said.
