Dubai, March 5 On Thursday, India issued an advisory, asking its citizens in the United Arab Emirates to remain vigilant, calm, and adhere to the safety guidelines of the local authorities, given the prevailing situation in the region.
"The Government of India continues to attach the highest importance to the safety and well-being of Indians abroad and is closely monitoring developments," said the advisory issued by the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi.
The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Indian Consulate in Dubai remain in close contact with UAE authorities and community leaders to ensure the well-being of the Indian diaspora in the UAE, it said.
"In view of the prevailing situation in the UAE and the region, all Indian nationals currently in the UAE are advised to continue to remain vigilant, calm, adhere to the safety guidelines of the UAE authorities, and also follow official advisories issued from time to time," it said.
It stated that the airspace and regular scheduled flight operations continue to be temporarily suspended. However, Indian and UAE airlines have commenced limited non-scheduled flight operations to multiple destinations in India, in coordination with the UAE authorities, subject to operational and safety approvals from relevant authorities, the advisory read.
Indian nationals stranded can avail of these flights by contacting their respective airlines, it added.
For those stranded after February 28 and whose visas have expired, the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Authority (ICP) has announced a waiver of overstay fines for visitors (tourist/visit visas) and others unable to depart due to these exceptional circumstances, it said.
It said that the Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate in Dubai, along with their outsourced passport, consular, and visa services, are continuing to function normally.
It said that Indian nationals in the UAE can contact the WhatsApp number +971 543090571 or the toll-free number: 800-46342.
