Kazakhstan’s Foreign Ministry addresses compatriots in the Middle East

Tengrinews.kz – Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has reported that, against the backdrop of the escalating military-political situation in the Middle East, the ministry and its foreign missions are operating in an enhanced mode.
The republic’s foreign missions in the countries of the region are continuously monitoring the situation, maintaining constant contact with local authorities and Kazakhstanis, and making regular trips to airports for rapid response and the immediate provision of consular and legal assistance.

“By remaining in round-the-clock contact with our citizens via emergency hotlines and operational messenger chats, staff of the diplomatic missions continue to update the lists of Kazakhstanis located in the region, as well as in transit zones,” the statement says.

As of now, no information has been received about any injured compatriots, the Foreign Ministry clarified.
According to the latest data, the largest numbers of Kazakhstanis in the escalation zone are, traditionally, in countries that are popular tourist destinations, places of pilgrimage, and major transit hubs.
In particular, there are 3,500 citizens in the UAE, around 3,000 in Saudi Arabia, and about 1,500 in Qatar.
As for other states in the region, diplomatic missions have the following data: there are 82 citizens in Iran, 168 in Bahrain, 134 each in Kuwait and Jordan, and about 100 people in Israel.
The Foreign Ministry recalled that in most countries of the region the airspace has been closed since the start of hostilities. Given that airlines are forced to cancel flights, the republic’s foreign missions are working jointly with tour companies to arrange temporary accommodation for Kazakhstanis in hotels. Citizens of Kazakhstan in hotels in the UAE have been provided with accommodation and meals until the situation stabilizes.
It is noted that measures and routes are being developed for the possible evacuation of Kazakhstanis from escalation zones. For security reasons, local authorities do not recommend independent travel.

“As a result of the work carried out, Kazakhstan’s foreign missions have reached agreements with the competent authorities of foreign states on facilitating the evacuation of our citizens from Iran through neighboring countries,” the press release states.

Thus, with the Armenian side, the issue of unhindered crossing of the Iran–Armenia border by Kazakhstanis in the event of their evacuation through Armenian territory has been agreed. Constant contact is being maintained with the leadership of Armenia’s foreign ministry.
Similar work has been carried out with the Azerbaijani side, which has expressed its readiness to assist with evacuation issues. Given that the regime for crossing the country’s land borders is restricted, crossing requires obtaining special permission. In response to a request from two citizens, Kazakhstan’s embassy in Azerbaijan promptly obtained permission for entry from Iran across the border at the “Julfa” (Nakhchivan) checkpoint.
Turkmenistan has also confirmed its readiness to assist in ensuring border crossings for the evacuation of Kazakh citizens, the ministry added.
The Foreign Ministry called on Kazakhstanis in the Middle East to remain calm, comply with the requirements and recommendations of local authorities, avoid high-risk areas, and show understanding toward the temporary restrictions.