Conflict
KINLEY KHANDU CHODEN | Thimphu
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and External Trade (MoFAET) shared the update during the 28th Meet the Press held on June 5, stating that the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Kuwait has been designated as the regional operational hub for Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) evacuation operations should the security situation require such measures.
The Government is preparing and maintaining a comprehensive contingency plan for the possible evacuation and repatriation of Bhutanese nationals residing in GCC countries as it continues to closely monitor developments arising from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
According to the MoFAET Lyonpo DN Dhungel , there are currently 7,786 Bhutanese nationals residing across GCC countries.
Since the onset of the conflict in the Middle East, the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Kuwait has been maintaining close contact with Bhutanese communities through local coordinators, social media platforms, and direct communication channels. The embassy has also been submitting regular situation reports to the ministry to keep authorities informed of developments affecting Bhutanese nationals in the region.
The MoFAET minister stated that the embassy is continuously monitoring the safety, travel, and employment situation of Bhutanese nationals residing in GCC countries. The ministry said that travel advisories and updated flight information are being issued whenever necessary to ensure Bhutanese citizens have access to timely information regarding travel and security-related developments.
The minister further stated that the embassy is coordinating with the Department of Employment and Entrepreneurship (DoEE), the Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Employment (MoICE), employment agents, employers, and relevant authorities to facilitate assistance for Bhutanese nationals affected by the situation.
According to MoFAET minister, support is being provided to Bhutanese citizens who have lost employment, require transit and travel assistance, or are facing other difficulties arising from the conflict situation.
The minister said these efforts are being carried out through collaboration among government agencies, employers, and recruitment stakeholders both in Bhutan and in the host countries.
In addition to employment and travel-related assistance, the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Kuwait is also providing support to vulnerable and distressed Bhutanese nationals across the GCC region.
The ministry said the embassy is assisting individuals who are suspected victims of trafficking, those facing immigration-related issues, people requiring medical assistance, and others in need of humanitarian support. Such cases, according to MoFAET minister, are being addressed through close coordination with host government authorities, employers, employment agents, and Bhutanese community representatives.
The minister also stated maintaining communication with Bhutanese nationals remains an important part of the government’s response efforts. Through established communication channels and community networks, the embassy continues to engage with Bhutanese citizens residing in different GCC countries while monitoring their circumstances and responding to requests for assistance where necessary.
A key aspect of the government’s preparedness measures is the development and maintenance of a comprehensive contingency plan for evacuation and repatriation.
According to the Minister, the contingency plan establishes a framework for monitoring developments, coordinating inter-agency responses, maintaining communication with Bhutanese nationals, and facilitating their safe and orderly return to Bhutan should circumstances require such action.
Lyonpo stated that preparations are being undertaken in anticipation of any further deterioration of the security situation in the region. As part of these preparations, the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Kuwait has been designated as the regional operational hub for any evacuation operations involving Bhutanese nationals residing in GCC countries.
Explaining the plan, MoFAET minister said that evacuation arrangements would depend on the prevailing security situation and operational feasibility at the time. Several options have been identified to facilitate the safe movement of Bhutanese citizens if required.
These options include evacuation through commercial flights, chartered flights, land transfers to alternative airports, or arrangements undertaken in cooperation with partner countries. The ministry noted that the mode of evacuation would be determined based on circumstances on the ground and available transportation routes.
The ministry also stated that priority assistance would be provided to vulnerable individuals during any evacuation or repatriation process. These include children, pregnant women, elderly persons, and individuals requiring urgent support.
Beyond evacuation planning, the government is also putting in place arrangements to provide a range of consular and logistical support services. According to MoFAET minister, these include consular assistance, emergency travel documentation, reception support upon arrival, and coordinated repatriation measures aimed at ensuring the safety and wellbeing of Bhutanese citizens.
MoFAET emphasized that the government remains in close contact with Bhutanese nationals throughout the GCC region and continues to monitor developments closely. Through the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Kuwait and in coordination with relevant agencies and stakeholders, efforts are ongoing to assess developments and respond to emerging needs among Bhutanese citizens residing in the region.
With 7,786 Bhutanese nationals currently living across GCC countries, MoFAET said the government will continue to maintain communication with affected citizens, monitor the evolving situation, and implement necessary measures to support their welfare and safety. The ministry added that arrangements are being kept in place to provide assistance and facilitate repatriation should the situation warrant further action in the future.
