The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has not yet arranged special flights for the evacuation of Latvian citizens from Middle Eastern countries, but is providing telephone and written consultations to residents who find themselves there, according to the MFA's response to the LETA agency.
The ministry, citing information from the Office of Citizenship and Migration Affairs, reports that there are 799 Latvian citizens permanently residing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A short-term trip to the UAE has been registered by 62 citizens in the Consular Register. In Israel, there are 6,383 Latvian citizens permanently residing, most of whom hold dual citizenship. A short-term trip to Israel has been registered by 11 citizens in the Consular Register.
In Bahrain, there are 13 Latvian citizens permanently residing, in Iran — four, in Iraq — three, in Qatar — 26, in Kuwait — nine, in Jordan — five, and in Saudi Arabia — 15 Latvian citizens. A short-term trip to Bahrain has been registered by two citizens, to Jordan — three, while travelers have not registered for trips to other countries at this time.
At the same time, the ministry notes that this statistics is constantly changing.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs urges to register visits to foreign countries in the Consular Register through the portal "Latvija.gov.lv". A trip can be registered even after entering a foreign state; however, the Consular Register is intended for travelers temporarily abroad — up to three months.
Individuals who have registered their trip to Middle Eastern countries in the Consular Register and may require assistance have received an informational email from the ministry with recommendations on actions in emergency situations. Telephone and written consultations are also provided.
As the security situation is currently unstable, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly urges Latvian citizens to follow local media reports on changes in the security situation and to comply with the authorities' instructions.
As explained by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while the airspace is closed and air alarms are frequently announced, airlines cannot plan the resumption of flights. It is also premature for European Union (EU) member states to plan special flights or other forms of assistance for alternative travel for travelers.
The ministry emphasizes that ensuring personal safety is currently a priority — staying indoors with access to current and reliable information via television, radio, or the internet.
Individuals currently in the Middle East region are advised to familiarize themselves with travel warnings published on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' website and to follow the Consular Department's account on Facebook.
In case of emergency, the ministry urges to immediately contact the 24-hour duty officer of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at +37126337711 or by email at "palidziba@mfa.gov.lv".
As reported, on Saturday, Israel and the United States struck Iran, resulting in missile attacks affecting both the capital Tehran and other cities.
Iran retaliated with strikes against Israel, as well as against U.S. military facilities in Bahrain and other countries in the Persian Gulf.
It was also reported that the Latvian national airline airBaltic canceled flights to Tel Aviv and Dubai and from these cities until early March.
This morning, due to events in the Middle East region and restrictions in certain airspaces, airBaltic flight BT792 from Dubai to Riga returned to Dubai shortly after takeoff for safety reasons. The flight has still not arrived in Riga.
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