South Koreans Safely Evacuate from Qatar and Jordan Amidst Ongoing Middle East Turmoil
Synopsis
As the Middle East crisis escalates, South Koreans are being assisted by their embassy to evacuate safely. With many stranded due to flight cancellations, the government is working tirelessly to ensure their return home amidst uncertainty and recent violence.
Key Takeaways
Evacuations: South Koreans are being assisted to evacuate from crisis-hit areas in the Middle East.
Embassy Support: Local diplomatic missions are playing a crucial role in facilitating departures.
Flight Cancellations: Thousands remain stranded due to canceled flights.
Direct Flights: The first direct flight from Dubai since the crisis has successfully returned citizens home.
Government Coordination: The South Korean government is actively coordinating with foreign governments to ensure safe returns.
Seoul, March 7 (NationPress) - South Korean citizens trapped in various parts of the Middle East due to an escalating regional crisis are steadily making their way to safety, aided by local diplomatic missions, as reported by the foreign ministry on Saturday.
The ministry indicated that a total of 65 South Koreans who were in Qatar successfully relocated to nearby Saudi Arabia between Tuesday and Friday.
Meanwhile, in Jordan, where commercial flights are still operational, 41 South Korean short-term visitors exited the country from Thursday to Friday. The South Korean Embassy in Jordan sent a team to an airport in Amman to facilitate their departure processes.
In Kuwait, 14 South Koreans along with one foreign spouse also made their way to Saudi Arabia with assistance from the embassy.
The ministry elaborated that it has been providing support to South Koreans in various other regional locations, helping 25 individuals in Iran, 113 in Israel, 14 in Bahrain, and five in Iraq to reach neighboring countries for their return home, as reported by Yonhap news agency.
Earlier, on March 6, more than 370 South Koreans returned home on the first direct flight from Dubai since the US-Israeli air strikes on Iran last week.
This Emirates flight landed at Incheon International Airport, located west of Seoul, at approximately 8:25 p.m., carrying 422 passengers, including 372 South Koreans.
This marked the first direct commercial flight from Dubai to Incheon since the hostilities in Iran began last weekend.
The government had previously coordinated with the UAE authorities to ensure the secure return of South Koreans from the Middle East via direct flights.
Currently, about 18,000 South Koreans are estimated to be residing in 14 nations across the Middle East, including 4,900 short-term travelers, with 3,500 of them stranded due to flight cancellations, as stated by the government.
Travelers returning home were seen embracing their family members at the airport, with some shedding tears of relief after enduring days filled with uncertainty.
Others recounted similar experiences of hearing loud explosions from drone interceptions and bombings.
Point of View
It is essential to prioritize the safety of citizens abroad, especially in times of international turmoil. The South Korean government is actively facilitating the evacuation of its nationals, reflecting a commitment to their welfare during a challenging period.
NationPress
6 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
How many South Koreans are currently stranded in the Middle East?
Approximately 18,000 South Koreans are believed to be in 14 Middle Eastern countries, including 4,900 short-term travelers.
What assistance is the South Korean government providing?
The South Korean government is assisting nationals in evacuating to safer areas through local embassies and facilitating direct flights home.
When was the first direct flight from Dubai to South Korea after the crisis?
The first direct flight from Dubai to South Korea occurred on March 6, carrying over 370 South Koreans.
What regions are South Koreans being evacuated from?
South Koreans are being evacuated from various countries including Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, Iran, Israel, Bahrain, and Iraq.
What has been the response of returning travelers?
Returning travelers have expressed relief and joy upon reuniting with family, despite the stress and uncertainty they faced during the crisis.
