Amidst the ongoing tension in the Middle East, the Andhra Pradesh government and APNRT are continuously monitoring the safety of about 10 lakh citizens of the state living in the Gulf countries. Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu himself is keeping an eye on this entire situation and is working with the Ministry of External Affairs for the safe return of Indians. Currently, due to closure of airspace, major routes like Dubai and Abu Dhabi have been affected, due to which many Indian expatriates are stranded there.
Important guidelines and helpline numbers for stranded migrants
Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRT) has issued 24/7 helpline numbers to help people in distress. 120 coordinators present in Gulf countries are providing food and temporary accommodation to the migrants. The administration has advised that people stay indoors and rely only on official information.
Medium of Assistance Contact Details Helpline Phone Number 0863-2340678 WhatsApp +91 85000 27678 Delhi Control Room (AP Bhavan) 9871999430
Special flights and route decided for return
Due to the closure of the airport, authorities have advised expatriates to use Muscat, Oman, as the main transit point. According to Dr. Ravi Vemuru, there has been some relaxation in visa rules in Oman for people who have previously traveled to the US. Special arrangements have been made with Indigo Airlines and other airlines for return.
3 March 2026: 10 special flights are being operated from Jeddah to India (including Hyderabad).
2 March 2026: Special repatriation flights started from Muscat to Kochi.
relief work: For those who are stranded at the airports, arrangements for accommodation and food have been made through local Telugu associations.
Registration: So far, about 1 lakh workers have been officially registered on the APNRT portal.