Gulf conflict: A.P. trying to evacuate stranded people in three days

About 15,000 visitors from Andhra Pradesh are reportedly stranded at various airports across the conflict-affected Gulf, and the State government is trying to ensure that they secure a flight ticket home within the next three days.

Minister for NRI Empowerment and Relations Kondapalli Srinivas told The Hindu at his chamber in the Secretariat on Wednesday (March 4) that the State government, in coordination with the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS), was closely working with the stranded travellers.

He said the government was compiling and maintaining detailed information of all stranded Telugu people country-wise to ensure timely assistance. “We are in constant touch with coordinators and volunteers on the ground to provide necessary support, including travel facilitation and local assistance,” the Minister explained.

According to Mr. Srinivas, the majority of those stranded had travelled on short-term tourist visas and were caught in the evolving conflict. However, he clarified that steps were being taken to extend their visas, and the Government of India was extending necessary support to safeguard their stay and facilitate their return.

The Minister also noted that communication with Telugu people currently in Iran was yet to be fully established, and efforts were under way to reach out to them through diplomatic and community channels.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu is likely to interact with the Telugu diaspora in Gulf countries on Thursday to review the situation and reassure them of the State’s support during the crisis.