Dubai: The three million-odd expatriates in Saudi Arabia, mostly from Asia, have
been advised by their diplomatic missions not to panic or leave the country in haste
fearing a US-led attack on Iraq, even as Philippines has drawn up a contingency plan
to meet a crisis and Indonesia has suspended export of labour for the time being.
Senior diplomats of labour-exporting countries who issued the advice in Jeddah said,
in the event of an attack they would ensure the safety of their nationals working in
the Kingdom.
"Saudi Arabia will extend the fullest possible support for the welfare of our
countrymen in the event of a deterioration of the regional situation," said Indian
Ambassador Talmiz Ahmed.
He appealed to the 1.5 million Indian expatriates in Saudi Arabia to remain calm and
avoid panic, and advised them to continue to perform their normal duties.
Deputy chief of the Pakistani mission Aamer A Sadani said it was too early to work
out an evacuation plan.
The Philippine Embassy alone has already developed a contingency plan for its
workers living in Middle Eastern countries including the Kingdom.
A Mid East Preparedness Team (MEPT) from the Philippines, sent to the region last
week by President Gloria Arroyo, studied the contingency plan for overseas Filipino
workers (OFWs) in the light of the looming war.
The team, led by special envoy Roy Cimatu, a retired general, explained to the
Philippine community the relocation plan for the Filipinos in the event of war in
the region.
PTI
