Stay vigilant: Sri Lankan government warns one million expats in the Middle East

Colombo, March 1 (Daily Mirror) - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism said that it is closely monitoring the prevailing security situation in the Middle East, stressing that the safety and well-being of nearly one million Sri Lankan nationals living and working in the region remain the government’s highest priority.

Amid ongoing regional instability, the government has issued a strong advisory urging all Sri Lankans residing in Middle Eastern countries to exercise maximum vigilance. Citizens have been advised to stay updated through reliable local media and strictly follow official instructions issued by the authorities of their respective host nations. They are also strongly encouraged to avoid non-essential travel and refrain from attending large public gatherings in the interest of personal safety.

The Ministry further advised nationals to remain prepared for any emergency situation by keeping mobile phones fully charged at all times and carrying valid identification and essential documents. 

Sri Lankans have also been urged to maintain regular contact with the nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic missions, all of which have activated 24-hour emergency telephone lines across the region.

Recognizing the concerns of families in Sri Lanka, the government has introduced dedicated round-the-clock contact numbers for those seeking information about their loved ones abroad. 

Inquiries can be directed to the Consular Affairs Division of the Ministry at +94 742595546, or to the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment at +94 719802822. The general hotline 1989 is also operational.

The Ministry assured the public that it will continue to closely monitor developments and provide timely updates as the situation evolves.