Karnataka Government Appeals to MEA for Evacuation of Stranded Citizens in Gulf Amidst Conflict
The Karnataka government has formally sought the intervention of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to facilitate the safe return of Kannadigas stranded in Gulf countries, as escalating tensions between Iran and Israel-United States disrupt air travel and safety in the region. This urgent appeal comes in response to retaliatory actions following recent attacks, which have left hundreds of tourists and expatriates from Karnataka unable to return home.
Stranded Individuals Include Politicians and Officials
Among those affected are prominent political figures, including Congress MLAs Na Ra Bharath Reddy and SR Srinivas, as well as JD(S) MLC SL Bhojegowda. Bhojegowda, who was traveling from Johannesburg, South Africa, to India via Dubai, shared a video clip detailing his predicament. "As soon as we reached Dubai airport, it was conveyed to us that all flights were grounded because of the air strikes by Iran," he explained. Additionally, State Election Commissioner SG Sangreshi and Pushpa Amarnath, vice-chairperson of the Karnataka State Guarantee Schemes Implementation Committee, are also stranded in Dubai, with Sangreshi noting that the chief minister has assured full support.
Breakdown of Stranded Citizens by Region
As of Sunday night, official reports indicate that 84 Kannadigas are stranded in the UAE, primarily in Dubai, and eight in Bahrain. The distribution from the UAE includes:
- 32 from Ballari
- 19 from Bengaluru
- 8 from Davangere
- 5 from Chikkamagaluru
- 4 from Kodagu
- 3 each from Raichur and Shivamogga
- 2 each from Udupi, Kalaburagi, and Vijayapura
- 1 each from Chikkaballapur and Tumakuru
In Bahrain, the stranded individuals consist of four from Hassan, three from Udupi, and one from Kodagu, all holding employment or visit visas.
Government Response and Coordination Efforts
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has taken proactive steps, engaging with stranded citizens via social media and directing the chief secretary to coordinate with the MEA. "The government is taking the responsibility of bringing them back safely," he stated, emphasizing that Kannadigas have found shelter in safe locations. Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar added that the government is liaising with Kannada associations in the affected Gulf countries to assess welfare and provide assistance.
To manage the crisis, Karnataka has activated its State Emergency Operation Centres (SEOC) and District Emergency Operations (DEOC), operating 24x7 to disseminate advisories and offer support. Citizens are advised to contact local embassies, use the Sarthi Sahayata portal, and other official channels for help. Chief Secretary Shalini Rajneesh has sent letters to MEA Secretary Vikrant Misri and Civil Aviation Secretary Samir Kumar Sinha, requesting complimentary boarding, flexible ticket rescheduling, and additional flights.
Financial Struggles and Accommodation Arrangements
A group of 35 tourists from Ballari district, part of a larger tour group of 50 that included 15 from Chitradurga, are stranded in Dubai after their return flight on February 28 was cancelled due to air strikes. With trip funds exhausted and hotel costs ranging from Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 per person per night, they faced homelessness outside the airport. Upon learning of their plight, Reddy and Ballari Rural MLA B Nagendra arranged accommodation in service quarters near the airport, where the group of 23 women and 27 men is now safely staying. Nagendra reported that an air strike near Reddy's hotel caused brief concern, but all individuals remain unharmed.
Impact on Expatriates and Flight Cancellations
The conflict has also stranded tens of expatriates in India who were scheduled to travel to Gulf destinations. M Mohandas Kamath, set to return to Kuwait from Mangaluru, described tense conditions in Kuwait, including supermarket shortages, school closures until March 3, and cancelled exams. At Mangaluru International Airport, multiple flights to Gulf destinations were cancelled on Sunday, affecting routes such as:
- Mangaluru-Jeddah (both directions)
- Mangaluru-Muscat (both directions)
- Mangaluru-Dubai (both directions)
- Mangaluru to Bahrain and Abu Dhabi
Political Reactions and Broader Implications
Former Chief Minister and Haveri MP Basavaraj Bommai emphasized that while the Indian government has initiated measures, the state government holds the primary responsibility for safely repatriating Kannadigas. This situation underscores the broader challenges faced by Indian citizens abroad during international conflicts, highlighting the need for coordinated emergency responses and robust support systems to ensure their welfare and timely return.
