Statement by Minister McEntee on Consular Assistance to Irish citizens in the Gulf

I want to provide a further update on the situation in the Gulf and the implications for Irish citizens there.

A large number of Irish citizens, in particular in the UAE, are already on our Citizen Registration platform, with several hundred registering yesterday. I would encourage anyone in the region either resident or transiting to register.

I am also aware of suggestions of consideration of land routes to neighbouring countries, such as Oman. However, I strongly urge citizens not to pursue anything other than a shelter in place strategy for now.

Following coordination across all EU member states, this remains the common approach at the moment.

This is a unique consular situation, with a large number of citizens located in UAE in particular, and with local and regional airports shut and in some cases under attack. As of now, there are no evacuation routes recommended for Gulf countries and so the advice is to shelter in place.

We are maintaining close touch with the airlines of those citizens who were in transit when the conflict began. We also remain in very close contact with EU partners as this situation evolves.

Citizens with queries or concerns can continue to contact the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade consular team in Dublin at +353 1 4082000. Please note that we are receiving a high volume of calls. To register please go online to https://citizensregistration.dfa.ie/