The Karnataka government has announced its willingness to reimburse hotel expenses of Kannadigas stranded in West Asia.
“We have urged the Center to help stranded Kannadigas through Indian embassies by funding them, which will be paid by the state government. We are ready to share the cost,” Revenue Minister Krishna Byre Gowda told reporters here on Monday.
Stating that the state government cannot act alone on foreign soil, he said that Karnataka will fund those stranded passengers who need financial assistance through the Centre.
Local visas
Mr. Gowda also said that the state government was working closely with the Ministry of External Affairs to provide local visas to passengers stranded due to the cancellation of connecting flights.
“Some are stuck at Dubai or Bahrain airports without connecting flights. They cannot leave the airport as they do not have a visa and there are not many facilities at the airport. If they call the state helpline, we will pass on the information to the Union government, which will ask the local embassy to contact those stranded and help them get out of the airport,” the minister said, adding that stranded passengers can also contact local ambassadors directly.
Rescue flights
Another point of concern for passengers, the minister pointed out, was special flights or repatriation flights returning home. “A special flight or a rescue flight or some other measures can be taken only when the airspace is opened. We have also asked the Center for that.”
Helpline number
Those who need it can call the helpline of the State Emergency Operation Center 080-22340676 / 22253707.
Published – 02 March 2026 19:58 IST
