Crisis Cell: 30 Moldovan citizens evacuated from United Arab Emirates

Approximately 30 citizens of the Republic of Moldova were evacuated from the United Arab Emirates on the Muscat (Oman) – Bucharest route. The mission was carried out through the rescEU program, part of the European Union Civil Protection Mechanism.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in the United Arab Emirates the overall situation remains without major changes. The authorities continue to monitor the security situation, and public services and infrastructure are operating normally. The Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Abu Dhabi continues to provide consular assistance to Moldovan citizens affected by air transport disruptions and maintains contact with local authorities and international partners to identify available travel options.

In the State of Israel, the security situation remains tense. The current restrictions have been extended until March 14 this year, at 20:00. During this period, educational activities will not take place. At the same time, gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed, provided there is the possibility of rapid movement to a shelter in case an alarm is triggered. In the context of the security situation, commercial flights continue to operate on a limited basis, depending on the decisions of the Israeli authorities and the schedules of the airlines. The Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in the State of Israel continues to monitor developments and to provide consular assistance to citizens of the Republic of Moldova in that country.

In the State of Qatar, the situation remains complex. The airspace is partially reopened, and air operations continue to be limited. Local authorities recommend avoiding non-essential travel and strictly following official instructions. The Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Doha continues to handle requests for information and consular support from Moldovan citizens in the State of Qatar and monitors available options for transit or departure from the region.

In the Republic of Turkey, airports continue to operate commercial flights normally, and the country remains an important regional transit point for citizens leaving the Middle East. The Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Ankara continues to monitor developments in the region and maintains contact with citizens of the Republic of Moldova in the states for which it is concurrently accredited.

In the Republic of Azerbaijan, commercial flights continue to operate, but transit options for people who might leave Iran remain limited and require prior coordination with the competent authorities. The Embassy of the Republic of Moldova in Baku constantly monitors security developments in the Islamic Republic of Iran and maintains contact with the competent authorities and diplomatic partners to assess the situation.

Chișinău foreign ministry recommends that citizens of the Republic of Moldova in the region: follow the instructions of local authorities; avoid non-essential travel; constantly check flight status directly with airlines; maintain contact with the diplomatic missions of the Republic of Moldova.

According to the information available at this time, there are no reported casualties or injured persons among the citizens of the Republic of Moldova in the states of the Middle East region. The embassies of the Republic of Moldova maintain direct contact with Moldovan citizens in the area and provide consular assistance according to the requests received.