Safety and welfare of Telugus stranded in the Gulf a top priority, says A.P. Minister Kondapalli Srinivas

Andhra Pradesh Minister for NRI Empowerment and Relations Kondapalli Srinivas has assured that the safety and welfare of Telugu people stranded in the Gulf nations amid escalating Israel–Iran conflict remains the State government’s top priority.

Participating in a Zoom conference organised by Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS) with the APNRT coordinators from the Gulf countries on Tuesday, Mr. Srinivas reviewed the ground situation and issued key directions to extend full support to the affected expatriates. He said the State government, in coordination with the Centre, was taking comprehensive steps to safeguard workers, students, employees and tourists impacted by the crisis.

Coordinators from Dubai, Sharjah, Doha, Jeddah and other locations informed the Minister that while media reports had created anxiety, the situation on the ground was not as alarming as projected. They noted that the governments in the region had initiated precautionary measures, including sounding sirens and issuing regular alerts.

Some concern was reported in Bahrain, but places such as Dubai and Kuwait remain largely stable, they said. Authorities were facilitating the movement of passengers through major airports, they said, adding that there was no shortage of food, drinking water, or accommodation.

Mr. Srinivas urged all Telugu people in the affected regions to register with the APNRT and the respective Indian Embassies. He cautioned that flight cancellations were occurring due to airspace restrictions, and advised people to remain patient until conditions stabilised.

The Minister said that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu was continuously monitoring the situation through the APNRT and RTGS systems, and directed the officials to ensure timely assistance.

Recalling the services rendered during the COVID-19 pandemic, the coordinators reiterated their readiness to assist during the present crisis. APNRT president Ravi Kumar Vemuru and other officials participated in the virtual meeting.