Seoul’s diplomatic efforts are paying off as South Korean citizens trapped in the volatile Middle East are being steadily evacuated to safety. The Foreign Ministry announced on Saturday that ongoing operations have successfully relocated dozens from high-risk zones including Qatar and Jordan.
In a coordinated push, 65 South Koreans in Qatar were transported to neighboring Saudi Arabia between Tuesday and Friday. This marked a critical step amid escalating regional tensions that have disrupted travel and heightened security risks across the region.
Meanwhile, in Jordan where commercial flights remain operational, 41 short-term South Korean travelers departed from Amman between Thursday and Friday. The South Korean embassy in Jordan deployed a dedicated assistance team at the airport to streamline departures and ensure smooth processing for those fleeing the uncertainty.
The ministry’s updates extend beyond these locations. In Kuwait, 14 South Koreans along with one foreign spouse reached Saudi Arabia with embassy support. Similar aid facilitated the movement of 25 from Iran, 113 from Israel, 14 from Bahrain, and five from Iraq to safer neighboring countries, paving the way for their return home.
This follows a major milestone on Friday when over 370 South Koreans arrived back in Seoul on the first direct commercial flight from Dubai since the onset of conflict. Emirates flight touched down at Incheon International Airport around 8:25 PM, carrying 372 nationals who had endured days of anxiety.
Families reunited at the airport with emotional embraces, many wiping away tears of relief after navigating drone interceptions and bomb blasts. The South Korean government coordinated with UAE authorities to secure these vital evacuation flights.
Currently, approximately 18,000 South Koreans remain in 14 Middle Eastern countries, including 4,900 short-term visitors and around 3,500 stranded due to flight cancellations. The Foreign Ministry vows to continue these rescue operations until all are safe.