SA Government urges citizens stranded in Middle East to contact embassies

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) has advised South Africans stranded in the Middle East to contact their nearest embassy for immediate assistance.

The advisory comes as Iran remains locked in escalating tensions with Israel and the United States, with all parties launching airstrikes across the region.

Consequently, airspace in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) remains closed as the conflict intensifies.

Several South Africans are currently stranded in the region with no clear timeline regarding their return home. Airports Company South Africa (ACSA) has confirmed that Emirates and Qatar Airways flights to Dubai have been suspended indefinitely.

The suspension of travel follows ongoing threats against American military bases in Dubai and other Gulf nations, which continue to face kamikaze drone attacks.

The UAE’s Ministry of Defence confirmed this afternoon that the country’s airspace remains closed due to active missile fire over the region.

Officials reported that 172 missiles have been intercepted or destroyed to date, with the majority falling into the waters near Dubai.

In a social media post, the South African government urged citizens currently in the Middle East to:

Visit their nearest embassy to register

Ensure their current whereabouts are known to consular staff

Monitor local news for updates on travel corridors