Staff Reporter
SEVERAL Namibians stranded in the Gulf region are battling to secure safe passage out of the region as tensions in the Middle East intensify, prompting urgent calls for government intervention.
This was disclosed by a source who requested anonymity for security reasons. The source alleges that the Namibian Embassy in Cairo has not responded to emails sent by affected citizens seeking help.
“Some are trying to apply for visas through friendly countries to find a solution, but due to the situation, they cannot apply for e-visas to get out through, for example, Saudi Arabia. Somehow, our Namibian government can do something, without reciprocal protocols — at least through diplomatic channels, to get exemptions to apply for entry visas, to get out of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). I believe the South Africans are also struggling. SADC or the AU, come together to make a plan,” the source said.
According to the source, the stranded individuals have received little to no guidance on how to leave the region. This, he claimed, is despite the fact that Namibians in the Gulf region are part of a WhatsApp group administered by the Honorary Consulate of Namibia in the UAE and a consulate staff member.
“Genuinely, they are not responding to the cry for help by guiding them or arranging e-visas for them. The transit passengers might get away tomorrow, from Dubai to Johannesburg. They are trying to get visas and drive by car to Saudi Arabia, then fly out, but no e-visas are available for Namibians. They must physically go to the embassy, but the embassy is closed in the UAE. Somehow, the Namibian Embassy must find a solution and inform the Namibians of possible solutions and coordinate possible assistance to their fellow Namibians,” the source added.
Picture for illustrative purposes only. The Adept Traveler
