As the Middle East crisis intensifies, South Korea’s Foreign Ministry reports significant progress in evacuating its citizens from danger zones. Saturday’s briefing highlighted safe extractions from Qatar and Jordan, part of a broader campaign to bring home thousands potentially at risk.
Qatar saw the largest single group movement with 65 nationals safely crossing into Saudi Arabia over four days from Tuesday to Friday. This operation underscores the urgency as regional instability prompts swift diplomatic interventions.
In Jordan, 41 short-term visitors seized available commercial flights out of Amman on Thursday and Friday. Embassy staff provided on-site support at the airport, helping navigate departure formalities amid the chaos of suspended regional air travel.
Evacuations aren’t limited to these spots. Kuwait-based efforts moved 14 South Koreans and a foreign spouse to Saudi Arabia. Across the region, assistance reached 25 in Iran, 113 in Israel, 14 in Bahrain, and five in Iraq, relocating them to stable areas for onward journeys.
The momentum built on Friday’s landmark Dubai-Incheon flight, the first direct commercial service post-conflict escalation. Emirates brought back 372 citizens, landing at Incheon shortly after 8 PM. Passengers recounted harrowing experiences, including sounds of explosions and anti-drone measures during their wait.
Airport scenes were poignant, with tearful reunions signaling the human cost of the crisis. South Korea’s preemptive coordination with UAE ensured these flights, a lifeline for those stranded.
With 18,000 compatriots still in 14 countries—4,900 tourists and 3,500 flight-grounded—the ministry remains committed to exhaustive rescue measures, monitoring developments closely.