Indian Embassy Issues Urgent Security Advisory for Saudi Expats
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued a critical security advisory for the approximately 2 million Indian expatriates living in Saudi Arabia. This urgent guidance follows a series of drone and missile attacks attributed to Houthi rebels in Yemen, which have escalated regional tensions.
The advisory comes in the wake of a strike on October 10 at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, an incident that tragically claimed the life of one Indian citizen and resulted in multiple injuries.
Critical Safety Protocols During Aerial Attacks
To protect citizens during potential aerial threats, the embassy has outlined strict safety procedures that must be followed immediately:
- Seek immediate shelter: Move inside a building and stay in interior rooms, ensuring you are well away from all windows.
- Stay indoors: Remain inside until the threat has passed. Avoid standing on balconies or rooftops during an alert.
- Driving precautions: If you are alerted while driving, pull over to the side of the road immediately. Avoid stopping near bridges or high-rise structures.
- Legal restrictions: The embassy has issued a strict prohibition against filming, photographing, or sharing videos and information regarding these incidents. Engaging in such activities may lead to serious legal consequences.
Travel Disruptions and Flight Suspensions
The ongoing security situation has caused significant disruptions to regional infrastructure. Riyadh Airport remains closed to all operations. While airports in Dammam, Jeddah, and Madinah are currently operational, travelers should prepare for potential delays and disruptions.
In terms of air travel, flights operated by Air India, Air India Express, and IndiGo have been suspended until October 24. For those requiring emergency departure, the embassy noted that transit options are available through Bahrain, Kuwait, or Qatar, though these remain subject to individual visa requirements.
Emergency Contact Information
The embassy urges all Indian nationals to follow the instructions of local authorities and to rely exclusively on official channels for updates. In the event of an emergency, please use the following contact numbers:
Local Emergency Services
- Makkah, Madinah, Riyadh, and the Eastern Province: Dial 911
- All other regions: Dial 998
Indian Embassy Helplines
The embassy has provided 24-hour assistance for Indian citizens:
- From within Saudi Arabia (Toll-free): 8002471234
- From outside Saudi Arabia: +966-11-488469