Middle East tensions: Bahrain delegation arranges return of Indians from Saudi Arabia

New Delhi: Since Bahrain airport has not had any commercial flights since February 28, the Indian Embassy in Bahrain has made arrangements for the stranded compatriots to return home via Saudi Arabia.Vinod K Jacob, Indian Ambassador to Bahrain, said: “The Embassy in Riyadh is in the process of getting individual transit visa approvals from the Saudi government. The Indian Embassy in Bahrain is forwarding transit visa applications to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh. Priority is being given to stranded Indian nationals, especially those on tourist or short-term visas.”Since return via Saudi Arabia is currently the only viable option for Indians stranded in Bahrain, those applying for a Saudi transit visa must meet certain prerequisites, such as having a confirmed ticket for onward travel to India. A Saudi transit visa is valid for 72-96 hours, during which time travelers need to leave the country.Neighboring Qatar, on the other hand, has started some flights with Qatar Airways, including to India. But with fewer people than required, exiting through Saudi Arabia remains a backup plan for them, and obtaining transit visas for the country is difficult.The Indian Embassy in Doha said: “Qatar Airways operated a flight from Doha to Delhi on Monday, which carried over 300 Indian passengers stranded in Doha to India… Nearly 1,000 Indians stranded in Doha for transit or short visit departed on Qatar Airways flights in the past three days.”The Indian government is keen to launch more flights to West Asia. The civil aviation ministry will hold a meeting with airlines and other stakeholders on the issue on Tuesday.