Amid the ongoing tension in the Gulf region, a NoRKA help desk has been launched in the State under the direction of the Chief Minister’s Office to provide emergency assistance, services, and information to Keralite expatriates and their families in Saudi Arabia.
To avail of these services, the people are urged to contact the NoRKA Global Contact Centre at the toll-free number 18004253939 or at +91-8802012345 (for missed calls from abroad), said a statement from the NoRKA-Roots, the field agency of the Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NoRKA) here on Wednesday.
The NRK Development Officer in Delhi has been entrusted with coordinating these operations. The statement said 24-hour control rooms will operate at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah for Indian citizens in Saudi Arabia. For the latest updates regarding flight services, travel disruptions, and emergency assistance, individuals are advised to follow the official social media accounts and websites of the Embassy and the Consulate.
A notification from the Ministry of External Affairs also stated that operations at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh have been temporarily suspended. While services continue at the Jeddah, Dammam, and Medina airports, disruptions have been reported there as well. Before departing for the airport, passengers are asked to check for information regarding flight cancellations, schedule changes, or rescheduling. Air India, Air India Express, Akasa Air, and IndiGo have cancelled certain flights to and from Saudi Arabia until October 17, while Saudia continues to operate scheduled services to Dammam, Jeddah, and Medina.
The Indian Embassy and Consulate have advised maintaining contact with travel agents, tour operators, and Umrah service providers. A notification from the Indian Embassy states that Saudi authorities have announced that holders of visit, tourist, Umrah, and business visas who are compelled to remain in Saudi Arabia beyond their visa expiry dates will be permitted to leave the country without incurring fines.
Instructions have also been issued to take steps to depart the country as soon as flight services become available. Those requiring an urgent return may also explore the possibility of travelling via airports in neighboring Gulf countries, such as Qatar and Bahrain, while adhering to visa formalities. Indian citizens in Saudi Arabia must comply with the directives of local authorities and Indian diplomatic missions. Authorities have advised staying inside safe buildings and keeping away from windows, open areas, and high-risk zones in the event of emergency alerts.
