Foreign embassies have been stepping up efforts to assist their nationals who have been affected by Iran’s strikes in Bahrain this week.
The Philippines Embassy has visited eight shelters and distributed more than 900 relief packages to augment the food and basic necessities provided by the government.
“The Philippine Embassy expresses its sincere appreciation to the Government of Bahrain, particularly the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF), for its continued efforts to ensure the safety, security and stability of all residents in the kingdom, including the Filipino community, amidst the ongoing tension in the Gulf region,” Ambassador Gines Gallaga told the GDN.
“The embassy, through its Migrant Workers Office and Overseas Workers Welfare Administration, has continuously provided relief packs to Filipino nationals who have been asked to evacuate affected areas, such as Juffair, and are requesting the provision of food.”
According to online reports, more than 1,400 Filipinos in the region, including 231 in Bahrain have requested repatriation after the escalation of conflict. However, this was not a viable option at this time, due to the temporary closure of the airspace, the embassy confirmed.
“This position was affirmed following online consultations with the secretary of the Migrant Workers with the embassy and leaders of Filipino community organisations in the kingdom on March 3,” the embassy added. “While repatriation is not yet considered, preparations and plans are being finalised to ensure that the embassy is prepared to carry this out in the event authority is given.
“The embassy will execute this plan once we get an order from the Philippine Government, and with paramount consideration for the assessment of the Bahraini government. The embassy will inform and reach out to affected Overseas Filipino Workers should repatriation be undertaken.”
In the meantime, the embassy has told Filipinos who wish to return by their own means that they can fly out from King Fahad International Airport in Dammam in neighbouring Saudi Arabia, where the airspace is currently open.
“The King Fahad Causeway remains open, though we remind all Filipinos to have the proper documents and requirements when crossing the border to Saudi Arabia via the causeway,” Mr Gallaga added.
The GDN also learned that other embassies have been recommending the Dammam option to nationals who are intent on flying out.
Royal Thai Embassy’s Minister Counsellor Manachai Wattanawongsarat yesterday escorted nine Thai nationals across the border via the King Fahad Causeway to continue their journey from King Fahad International Airport in Dammam, with a transit at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, to return to Thailand.
And, British Ambassador Alastair Long put out a public announcement calling on UK nationals to check on Saudi Arabia’s entry requirements before heading to the border.
“If you judge it is safe to do so, and you plan to travel by road, read our travel advice for Saudi Arabia for entry requirements and ensure you have the correct paperwork, or you may be denied entry,” the UK embassy added. “If travelling by car, the vehicle must be wholly owned and registered in your name.
“If using commercial options to depart, check for the latest updates from your airline or tour operator, as well as the instructions of local authorities and the status of any border crossings before you travel. Make sure you have access to emergency supplies and essential medication. Travel within or out of Bahrain is at your own risk.”
The US Embassy has issued a notice, calling for all Americans to leave Bahrain.
“The US government is ready to help Americans leave the Middle East,” it added in a post shared on social media.
“If Americans choose to not take advantage of departure options available, they should be prepared to shelter in place in a secure location within their residences or other safe buildings. A supply of food, water, medications, and other essential items should be prepared.”
“On March 2, the Department of State ordered non-emergency US government employees and US government employee family members to leave Bahrain. If safe to do so, Americans should leave Bahrain now.”
The embassy provided a hotline for assistance, however numerous individuals report that calling the number led them to a voice-recorded message saying that the US government was not assisting with citizen evacuations in the region.
Bahrain’s national carrier Gulf Air posted an update yesterday saying that its flights remain suspended as the closure of Bahrain airspace continues. “Services will resume once Bahrain Civil Aviation Affairs confirms safe reopening,” the airline added.
Gulf Air yesterday said that passengers holding tickets with original travel dates up to March 10, can rebook free of charge onto national carrier operated flights up to March 31, 2026.
The airline added that passengers on all Gulf Air flights until March 10 may request a refund.
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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