According to information presented at a briefing by the Director of the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Seitak Jumakadyrov, efforts to return citizens of the Kyrgyz Republic from the Middle East are ongoing.
He noted that the ministry is actively working to ensure the return of all citizens to their homeland, and the consulates located in the regions are providing round-the-clock assistance in resolving emerging issues.
“All expenses for the transportation of citizens, carried out by three flights, were covered by the state at the direction of the president. This event can be considered significant over the past ten years,” he added.
Evacuation was offered to citizens located in Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, and Saudi Arabia. In the next 3-4 days, plans are in place to transport the remaining citizens; however, some have decided to stay as they are already working or residing in these countries,” said Jumakadyrov.
Additionally, the director noted that a number of previously canceled flights have resumed operations.
“Currently, about 22,000 citizens are abroad, most of whom are in the UAE and Saudi Arabia, primarily pilgrims performing Umrah,” he clarified.
At present, the airline Flynas has resumed regular flights on the Jeddah–Osh and Jeddah–Bishkek routes, and FlyDubai operates daily flights from the UAE. Over the past two days, Air Arabia has also resumed its flights. Airports in Saudi Arabia and the UAE are open for international flights,” he reported.
According to him, about 3,000 citizens have already returned to Kyrgyzstan, of which 426 arrived on specially organized flights, while the others returned independently.
In addition, there are about 100 citizens in Iran and 97 in Israel, most of whom hold dual citizenship. So far, no requests for evacuation have been received from these citizens. The Consulate of Kyrgyzstan operates in Iran, and there is an honorary consul in Israel. Constant communication with citizens is maintained, and their situation is being monitored,” added Jumakadyrov.
