Karnataka monitors Kannadigas in Saudi Arabia amid flight disruptions: Parameshwara
Synopsis
Karnataka Deputy CM G. Parameshwara has put the state government on active watch over Kannadigas in Saudi Arabia, with direct lines open to both the Riyadh Embassy and the Jeddah Consulate. With flight cancellations stranding Umrah pilgrims and aerial security incidents a live concern, the government has released emergency helplines and issued a pointed warning: do not photograph or film security incidents, as it could violate Saudi law.
Key Takeaways
Karnataka Deputy CM G.
Parameshwara on 23 October 2026 confirmed the state is monitoring all Kannadigas in Saudi Arabia amid flight disruptions.
The government is coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah for assistance.
Umrah pilgrims facing flight cancellations are among those receiving priority attention.
Kannadigas in Saudi Arabia have been warned not to photograph or record security incidents, as it may violate local laws.
Emergency helplines are active: +966 554412016 (Riyadh Embassy) and +966 122614093 (Jeddah Consulate); toll-free within Saudi Arabia: 8002471234 .
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara on Friday, 23 October 2026, said the state government was closely monitoring the safety and well-being of Kannadigas in Saudi Arabia — including those stranded due to flight cancellations and those planning to travel — amid prevailing security concerns and widespread disruptions to international flight operations.
Coordination with Indian Missions
Parameshwara said the Karnataka government is in constant contact with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General of India in Jeddah to ensure the safety of Kannadigas and extend necessary assistance. The coordination is particularly focused on Umrah pilgrims facing difficulties due to sudden flight cancellations and schedule disruptions.
The government is also working with concerned authorities to facilitate the safe return of stranded Kannadigas as travel arrangements become available, he added.
Advisory for Kannadigas Currently in Saudi Arabia
Parameshwara urged all Kannadigas currently in Saudi Arabia to remain calm, stay vigilant, and strictly adhere to safety advisories issued by local authorities and the Indian Embassy. In the event of an aerial attack, residents have been asked to remain indoors and to refrain from photographing, recording, or sharing videos of security incidents, as such actions could violate local laws.
Caution for Travellers Planning to Visit Saudi Arabia
For Kannadigas planning to travel to Saudi Arabia — especially for Umrah — the Deputy Chief Minister advised exercising caution given the prevailing situation. Travellers are urged to regularly check advisories from the Indian Embassy, confirm flight schedules with airlines and travel operators, and plan journeys with the possibility of sudden cancellations, delays, or extended stays in mind.
Emergency Helpline Numbers
The state government has made available the following 24-hour emergency helpline numbers for Kannadigas requiring assistance in Saudi Arabia:
Indian Embassy, Riyadh: +966 554412016 and +966 542126784. WhatsApp (messages only): +966 536216082.
Indian Consulate, Jeddah: +966 122614093 and +966 556122301. WhatsApp (messages only): +966 536209704. Toll-free number within Saudi Arabia: 8002471234.
Parameshwara reaffirmed that the safety of every Kannadiga remains the government's foremost priority, and assured that coordination with the Indian Embassy and relevant authorities will continue until all those affected receive the assistance they need.
Point of View
Though the real test will be how quickly stranded Kannadigas — particularly low-income workers with no rebooking resources — are actually repatriated once flights resume.
NationPress
23 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the Karnataka government monitoring Kannadigas in Saudi Arabia?
The Karnataka government is monitoring Kannadigas in Saudi Arabia due to prevailing security concerns and widespread disruptions to international flight operations, which have left several residents and Umrah pilgrims stranded. Deputy CM G. Parameshwara confirmed the state is coordinating with the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah.
What should Kannadigas currently in Saudi Arabia do?
They should remain calm, stay indoors during any aerial attack, and strictly follow advisories issued by local Saudi authorities and the Indian Embassy. They must not photograph, record, or share videos of security incidents, as this could violate local laws.
What are the emergency helpline numbers for Kannadigas in Saudi Arabia?
The Indian Embassy in Riyadh can be reached at +966 554412016 and +966 542126784 (WhatsApp only: +966 536216082). The Indian Consulate in Jeddah is available at +966 122614093 and +966 556122301 (WhatsApp only: +966 536209704). The toll-free number within Saudi Arabia is 8002471234.
Should Kannadigas travel to Saudi Arabia for Umrah right now?
Deputy CM Parameshwara has advised those planning Umrah travel to exercise caution. Travellers should regularly check Indian Embassy advisories, confirm flight schedules with their airlines and operators, and be prepared for sudden cancellations, delays, or extended stays.
How is the Karnataka government helping stranded Kannadigas return home?
The state government is coordinating with concerned authorities to facilitate the safe return of stranded Kannadigas as travel arrangements become available. It has also established 24-hour emergency helplines through the Indian Embassy in Riyadh and the Consulate General in Jeddah.
