Embassies across Bahrain are urging their nationals to be vigilant and follow the advice issued by local authorities, as some work to help their citizens get back to their home countries safely.
The Indian Embassy in Bahrain yesterday issued an advisory, announcing that it is working with its counterpart in Saudi Arabia to obtain individual transit visa approvals for Indian nationals stranded here on tourist and short-term visas.
“Bahrain has closed its airspace and that closure continues,” Indian Ambassador Vinod Jacob added in a video message posted on social media.
“Priority is being given to facilitate the movement of Indian nationals who are stranded in the kingdom and had come here on either tourist or short-term visas.
“Their flights were supposed to take off in the period immediately after February 28 and they are stuck here.
“Special operating procedures have been established, by which the embassy in Bahrain co-ordinates with our Indian embassy in Saudi Arabia.”
In order to avail themselves of this assistance, travellers must have a confirmed air ticket for onward travel to India.
Once they receive the ‘Note Verbale’ (formal note) issued by the embassy in Riyadh, they must present a copy of this to Saudi immigration authorities at the checkpoint before entering the country.
The Saudi transit visa will be valid for 72 to 96 hours, during which travellers must leave the country.
“Travellers are advised to plan their travel to the Saudi checkpoint preferably during daytime,” the embassy added.
Any stranded Indian national stuck in Bahrain can send an email to wel2.bahrain@mea.gov.in with details of their visa status to seek consular assistance.
The embassy also added that in view of the current regional situation, all Indian nationals are advised to remain vigilant and take due care, noting that the diplomatic outpost is continuing to function as usual.
The embassy’s 24/7 helpline numbers are 39418071 and 38400433.
Meanwhile, the UK Embassy told British nationals that if their presence in Bahrain was not essential, they ‘may wish to consider departing’ if they can do so safely.
“We continue to advise against all but essential travel to Bahrain,” the embassy added, on social media.
“If staying in the kingdom, follow the instructions of the local authorities including if you are advised to shelter in place.
“We advise Brits, wherever possible, to stay inside and limit movements to essential journeys only.”
The Bangladesh Embassy also issued an advisory to its nationals to comply with instructions from local authorities.
In a video message, Bangladesh Ambassador Mohammed Rais Hasan Sarower noted that his country’s foreign minister Dr Khalilur Rahman spoke with his Bahraini counterpart Dr Abdullatif Al Zayani, and was assured that assistance and co-operation was being offered by local authorities to Bangladeshi citizens and residents.
“Residents are also advised not to film or share any photos or videos of missile or drone interceptions with the added emphasis to not create or circulate any false or misleading content related to the current situation, as this may lead to legal consequences, including possible deportation,” he added.
“Residents are also urged not to have public gatherings in roads and public squares.”
naman@gdnmedia.bh
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