Doha is grappling with a mounting crisis as the escalating conflict in the Middle East disrupts air travel across the region. Indian tourists and short-term visitors holding ‘Hayya A1 visas’ are among the worst hit, stuck in Qatar due to widespread flight cancellations. In response to growing complaints, the Indian Embassy in Doha has released a critical advisory with a new registration link to assist those affected.
The embassy took to the X platform to share the updated link, urging stranded Indians to register their details promptly. ‘Indian citizens currently stranded in Qatar on tourist/short-term visitor (Hayya A1 visa) due to flight cancellations between February 28 and March 7, 2026, are requested to fill their details via this link,’ the post read. Technical glitches had rendered the previous link unusable, prompting this swift action.
Authorities emphasized that those who had already submitted information should refrain from duplicating entries to avoid delays. The embassy remains in constant touch with affected nationals, working tirelessly to coordinate safe returns amid the chaos.
This comes after numerous users reported issues with the initial form, including failures to load or download. The new portal aims to streamline the process and provide clearer pathways for repatriation.
Meanwhile, the Israel-Iran conflict rages into its eighth day, with relentless aerial assaults from both sides. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made headlines with a conciliatory statement on state television, apologizing to Gulf nations and pledging no attacks as long as their territories are not used against Iran. As tensions simmer, stranded travelers face uncertain futures, highlighting the human cost of regional instability.