AP Steps In to Aid Stranded Telugus in Gulf

As tensions between Israel and Iran continue to escalate, the Andhra Pradesh government has initiated measures to assist Telugu expatriates stranded in Bahrain and other Gulf nations.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has directed the Andhra Pradesh Non-Resident Telugu Society (APNRTS) to ensure an uninterrupted food supply and extend all necessary support to those facing hardship.

The intervention follows reports that several Telugu workers in Bahrain were struggling to access food during the day due to restrictions during the ongoing Ramadan period.

During a Zoom meeting led by NRI Empowerment Minister Kondapalli Srinivas and APNRTS officials, more than 250 coordinators from conflict-affected Middle East and Gulf countries briefed State authorities on the ground situation.

APNRTS president Ravi Kumar Vemuru said Telugus in Bahrain were facing comparatively greater distress than those in other Gulf nations.

He said the situation remained stable in Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait. However, in Bahrain, some buildings were reportedly hit, leading to evacuations. Government shelters were said to be facing food shortages, with local NRT volunteers stepping in to provide meals.

He added that panic triggered by misinformation was reported in Abu Dhabi, though no emergency incidents had been recorded there.

Officials also flagged the closure of several industrial units, particularly in the oil, government, and civil works sectors. In some countries, oil and government services have been categorised as essential services, restricting employees in these sectors from leaving.

A sharp rise in airfares has further complicated evacuation efforts, with several transit passengers currently being supported by local Telugu associations.

APNRTS advised those unable to secure direct flights to consider Oman as a relatively safer transit option, though visa-related constraints remain a concern.

The State government has urged the Ministry of External Affairs to engage with Gulf nations, particularly Saudi Arabia, to facilitate transit visas and ensure the safe passage of stranded workers if the situation deteriorates further.