Keralites in Saudi seek affordable chartered flights amid Gulf crisis

The Malayali diaspora in Saudi Arabia has sought the State government’s intervention to arrange chartered flight services between Saudi Arabia and Keralam at affordable rates amid the escalating conflict in the Gulf region. They have submitted a proposal to this effect, along with other demands, to the State government following a meeting to discuss the challenges faced by Keralite expatriates in Saudi Arabia amid the conflict.

An online meeting convened under the aegis of NoRKA-Roots, the field agency of the Department of Non-Resident Keralites Affairs (NORKA), with representatives of various Malayali organisations in Saudi Arabia consolidated the demands of expatriates and submitted them to the State government for further action.

The proposals submitted to the government include facilitating the return of employees who are currently in Keralam on leave; making arrangements for the repatriation of mortal remains; and providing travel, accommodation and food for those facing disruptions while travelling on Umrah or visit visas.

Other issues brought to the government’s attention include passport-related concerns, legal assistance, employment and income-related issues, emergency welfare support, and the dissemination of official information on flight services. It has also been decided to convene a detailed meeting with representatives of major Malayali organisations in Saudi Arabia for further discussions.

Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh has issued a strict security advisory for Indian citizens in Saudi Arabia. The Embassy has instructed them not to capture images of, or publish or share on social media, any information, photos or videos related to drone or missile attacks, defensive measures taken to intercept them, or sites affected by such attacks.

Indian citizens have been advised to strictly comply with local Saudi laws and security directives. In the event of emergency alerts, they should remain inside secure buildings and stay away from windows, open spaces, and areas considered high-risk. Expatriates and their families have also been urged to avoid circulating unverified news or visuals and rely solely on information from official sources.

Published - October 26, 2026 07:10 pm IST