Due to the worsening situation in the Middle East, temporary travel restrictions have been imposed on citizens of Kyrgyzstan for performing Umrah — the minor pilgrimage. This was reported by the Spiritual Administration of Muslims of Kyrgyzstan (Muftiyat).
According to information provided by the Muftiyat, an extended meeting took place on March 7 at the building of the Spiritual Administration, which was attended by representatives of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Security Council Secretariat, the National Agency for Religious Affairs and Interethnic Relations under the President, as well as employees of the State Civil Aviation Service, airlines, and travel companies.
The meeting discussed the situation in the Middle East and the measures taken by the state authorities of Kyrgyzstan to ensure the safety of citizens. Participants noted that the main task at present is to protect Kyrgyz citizens.
Additionally, issues concerning the safety of Kyrgyz citizens in Saudi Arabia were discussed, including the return of citizens who traveled for Umrah and found themselves abroad amid instability.
As a result of the meeting, it was decided to temporarily restrict travel for Umrah for citizens of Kyrgyzstan until the situation stabilizes, as well as to recommend that travel companies and airlines refrain from organizing such trips for the time being.
Depending on the situation, airlines such as Jazeera Airways, Flynas, and Air Arabia have begun to consider the possibility of resuming flights that were suspended.
In its address on March 3, the Muftiyat had already urged Kyrgyz citizens to temporarily refrain from traveling for Umrah until the situation in the Persian Gulf normalizes.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs as of March 2, approximately 22,000 citizens of Kyrgyzstan are in the Persian Gulf countries. Of these, about 10,000 are in the United Arab Emirates, around 800 in Qatar, more than 5,000 in Saudi Arabia, and about 100 in Israel, as well as around 1,000 Kyrgyz citizens in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan.
On March 7, the president's press secretary, Askhat Alagozov, reported that 134 citizens who remained in Qatar would be able to fly to Kyrgyzstan on March 8 via Saudi Arabia.
Previously, 260 Kyrgyz citizens were brought from the United Arab Emirates to Bishkek and Osh, and 210 citizens from Saudi Arabia. An additional 85 Kyrgyz citizens returned home from Oman.
The military operation by the US and Israel against Iran began on February 28. Iran, in turn, has started launching airstrikes not only against Israel but also against the territories of other countries in the region.
The entry "Temporary travel restrictions for performing Umrah — the minor pilgrimage have been introduced in Kyrgyzstan" appeared on K-News.
