Suryaa International Desk: Surya International Desk, New Delhi: Indian citizens stranded in Saudi Arabia due to tensions in West Asia, sudden cancellation of flights, especially thousands... Surya International Desk, New Delhi: The Indian government has stepped up emergency measures to shelter thousands of Umrah pilgrims, especially Indian citizens stranded in Saudi Arabia due to tensions in West Asia and sudden cancellation of flights. The Embassy of India in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah have jointly set up 24-hour control rooms and are providing accommodation, food and medical facilities to the pilgrims.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is continuously coordinating with the airlines, local travel operators and the Saudi Ministry of Haj & Umrah to ensure the safe repatriation of the pilgrims. Actions to solve food, medicine and visa problems: Officials said that more than 4,000 pilgrims stranded in Mecca, Medina and Jeddah are being provided essential necessities and emergency medical services with the help of local volunteers. The Indian Embassy is in discussions with the Saudi authorities to resolve the issues of those who have overstayed their stay or are facing visa validity issues due to flight cancellations.
While thousands of people have been repatriated so far, special arrangements are being made to bring the rest to India in a phased manner. 24X7 Emergency Helpline Numbers: Ministry of External Affairs of India has made the following control room numbers available for the assistance of Indian citizens in Saudi Arabia: Embassy of India (Riyadh): Phone Numbers: +966-554412016, +966-542126784 | Toll-Free (in Saudi only): 8002471234 | WhatsApp: +966-536216082Consulate General of India (Jeddah): Phone Numbers: +966-12-2614093, +966-556122301 | Whatsapp: +966-536209704 The Indian Mission suggested that they may also contact Ministry of Saudi Haj & Umrah Pilgrim Care Center No. 1966 and register their concerns.