India Steps Up Assistance for Stranded Nationals, Especially Umrah Pilgrims in Saudi Arabia
Indian Consulate in Jeddah provides round-the-clock support, coordinates with Saudi authorities and airlines, and explores alternative travel arrangements for affected nationals.
DUBAI, Oct 24: India has intensified efforts to assist its nationals stranded in Saudi Arabia due to flight cancellations, with particular attention to Umrah pilgrims facing delays in returning home.
The Consulate General of India in Jeddah issued a fresh advisory on Saturday, assuring affected travellers of continued support and confirming that it was coordinating with Saudi authorities, airlines and other stakeholders to facilitate their early return.
The disruptions come amid heightened regional tensions following a series of drone and missile attacks targeting civilian infrastructure by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The consulate said its 24-hour control rooms in Jeddah and Makkah remained operational to provide assistance to affected Indian nationals. Community organisations and volunteers are also helping arrange food, essential medicines and other immediate necessities, wherever possible.
The Indian mission is maintaining regular communication with Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and Ministry of Foreign Affairs to resolve problems arising from the flight disruptions. Particular attention is being given to concerns over visa validity and delayed departures.
Umrah pilgrims experiencing difficulties with accommodation or other services because of prolonged stays have been advised to contact the Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah’s Pilgrim Care Centre at 1966. They should register their complaints and obtain a case reference number for follow-up.
Travellers have also been urged to remain in touch with their respective Umrah service providers to secure assistance with accommodation, travel arrangements and other requirements.
The consulate is separately engaging with Indian airlines to address passenger grievances arising from cancelled flights, including issues involving refunds and rebooking.
As part of its efforts to facilitate alternative journeys, the mission is connecting Indian Umrah tour operators with airlines that continue to operate services to India. However, such arrangements will depend on seat availability, applicable fares and the individual airlines’ requirements.
The advisory urged affected passengers to maintain regular contact with their airlines, travel agents and Umrah operators to obtain updates on cancellations, refund procedures, revised bookings and alternative routes.
Reiterating its commitment to assisting Indian nationals, the consulate said it would continue working with the relevant authorities, airlines and other stakeholders to help those affected by the disruptions return home as early as possible.
