Middle East Conflict: MEA issues advisory, assures visa relief to foreigners stranded in India

New Delhi: Amid the increasing tension in the Middle East and Gulf region, many foreign nationals are stranded in India. Due to flight cancellations following US-Israel joint attack on Iran, India on Sunday has asked foreigners in the country to approach relevant authorities for visa extensions.

What does the advisory say?

India on Sunday extended help to foreigners stranded in the country who were forced to change their travel plans due to the ongoing clashes. 

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Sunday issued an advisory for foreigners impacted by the travel disruptions to contact their nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) if they require assistance with visa extensions

In the advisory, the Ministry of External Affairs said, "All foreign nationals in India, who have had to change their travel plans due to the ongoing developments in the West Asia region and need assistance with extension of their visa or to regularize their stay, are requested to contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO)."

Why is Middle east airspaces shut?

After US-Israel joint attack on Iran disrupted flight routes of several airlines as Middle east countries including Iran, UAE, Qatar shut their airspaces. 

According to reports, 700 flights across the Gulf and Middle East region have been suspended. 

Taking to X, Air India airlines on Sunday announced the cancellation of several flights, stating, "In addition to the flights already announced as cancelled, the following services scheduled for 1 March will also be cancelled: · AI131/ AI130: Mumbai-London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)-Mumbai · AI113/ AI118: Delhi- Birmingham / Birmingham-Delhi · AI155/ AI156: Delhi-Amsterdam / Amsterdam-Delhi · AI151/ AI152: Delhi-Zurich / Zurich-Delhi · AI137 / AI138: Delhi-Milan / Milan-Delhi · AI153 / AI154: Delhi-Vienna / Vienna-Delhi · AI133 / AI132: Bengaluru-London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)-Bengaluru · AI157 / AI158: Delhi-Copenhagen / Copenhagen/Delhi · AI2017 / AI2018 and AI2015/AI2016: Delhi-London (Heathrow) / London (Heathrow)- Delhi · AI2029 / AI2030: Delhi-Frankfurt / Frankfurt/Delhi."