By Our Diplomatic Correspondent
New Delhi, March 25: All Indian nationals residing in Yemen have been given the option to leave Yemen as soon as possible as the security situation in that country was highly fragile, Syed Akbaruddin, spokesman for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, told newsmen today.
This is the 2nd warning issued by India as it feels that there is a high possibility of major conflict developing and leading to disturbances.
Government’s advisory asking Indian nationals in Yemen to leave the country concerns about 3500 Indian nationals in Yemen, with nearly 2500 living in the capital city of Sana’a.
Most of the Indians in Yemen are employed as nurses in the country. The country has been rocked by civil strife as Houthi Shiite rebels have captured the presidential palace and allegedly forced President Hadi to leave the country. The situation in Yemen remains murky, with Houthi militants claiming capture of in the southern seaport of Aden.
This is a third such advisory of the year issued by the government, the first coming as early as January this year. At that time as many 11,000 Indians were residing in that country but majority of these have already left the country following the disturbances. .
The government has reiterated its previous advisories of January 21 and March 19, which says, “Indian nationals in Yemen may consider leaving the country on voluntary basis by commercial means, if it is safe to do so.”
For those Indians who do not have travel documents or need other consular services, special assistance will be provided at the Indian Embassy in Sana’a. The Indian embassy in Sana’a has set up helplines which can be accessed for information or assistance — 00-967-734 000 658 and 00-967-734 000 657.
Indian nationals in Yemen have been advised to avoid conflict areas and remain in contact with the embassy officials for advice and updated information on the evolving security situation.