Sri Lankans continue to be evacuated from Iran

Colombo, June 24 (Daily Mirror) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an update on the current status of Sri Lankan nationals in Iran, Israel, and several neighbouring countries, as evacuation and repatriation efforts continue amid ongoing regional tensions.

In Iran, the Sri Lankan Embassy in Tehran reported that 41 Sri Lankans have been accounted for, including nine who have already departed. 

On 24 June, three individuals—two students and another national—departed from Mashhad Airport to New Delhi, coordinated with support from the Indian Embassy in Dubai. 

In addition, two more individuals, including a student and an embassy officer, are scheduled to cross the Türkiye border today. Three others are expected to leave Iran in the coming days via company-arranged travel.

In Israel, Ambassador Nimal Bandara in Tel Aviv said that 219 Sri Lankans who had travelled to Sri Lanka on vacation are preparing to return. The Israeli Population and Immigration Authority (PIBA) has extended the validity of re-entry visas for foreign nationals who were unable to return due to the recent Iran-Israel conflict. 

Meanwhile, 17 Sri Lankans have registered to travel on a special Indian government flight departing from Amman to New Delhi on 25 June. Another 20 individuals have expressed interest in travelling to Sri Lanka via Egypt, with five having already arrived.

In Egypt, Ambassador Sisira Senavirathne in Cairo reported that three Sri Lankans entered Egypt via the TABA border crossing yesterday and are scheduled to fly to Sri Lanka later today. Approval has also been granted for three more individuals to cross the border. A list of 17 additional Sri Lankans submitted to Egyptian authorities is under review and may receive clearance shortly.

In Jordan, Ambassador Priyangika Wijegunasekara said that Jordanian airspace experienced two brief closures on 23 June due to heightened airfield activity. At present, Sri Lankans intending to transit through Jordan have not obtained the required transit visas. Furthermore, some flights may land in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, in which case passengers will require Egyptian entry visas. 

In Qatar, Ambassador Sithara Khan reported that the Sri Lankan Mission in Doha remains in close contact with the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other diplomatic missions. Sri Lankans in Qatar are being kept informed through the Mission’s official website and social media, and an emergency contact email and hotline numbers have been provided.