… Ongoing evacuations continue as Eswatini intensifies efforts to ensure the safety of its citizens amid rising tensions in the Gulf region.
BY MBONGENI NDLELA
MBABANE – Government has successfully repatriated another liSwati national from the Middle East as part of ongoing efforts to safeguard citizens amid the escalating tensions affecting parts of the Gulf region.
The latest repatriation was confirmed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, which stated that the citizen was safely returned home from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on March 7, 2026, as Government continues to coordinate evacuation operations for emaSwati who may be affected by the unfolding situation.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Senator Pholile Shakantu assured the nation that Government remains fully committed to protecting emaSwati abroad during this period of uncertainty.
“Government wishes to assure the Nation that it remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety, welfare and well-being of all emaSwati abroad,” said Shakantu.
The Ministry explained that evacuation operations are currently being conducted under challenging conditions due to airspace closures in parts of the Middle East, which have disrupted international travel routes.
Despite these challenges, Government teams are actively working to secure safe evacuation routes for affected citizens.
“The Ministry acknowledges the challenges arising from the current airspace closures. Notwithstanding these constraints, Government teams remain actively engaged in identifying and securing safe, reliable and practical evacuation routes for affected emaSwati,” the Minister said.
The successful return of the liSwati national adds to a series of repatriation efforts already undertaken by Government in recent days.
Earlier this week, 25 emaSwati were safely received back home from the United Arab Emirates on March 4, 2026, after Government facilitated their evacuation from the region.
In a reciprocal diplomatic gesture reflecting strong cooperation between nations, 13 UAE nationals who had been in the Kingdom of Eswatini were also safely returned to the United Arab Emirates on March 5, 2026.
Authorities revealed that preparations are already at an advanced stage for the evacuation of another group of emaSwati from the Gulf region.
“Plans for the evacuation of the next group are at an advanced stage, and arrivals are expected before the end of the week, subject to operational conditions and approvals in the affected jurisdictions,” the Ministry stated.
The evacuation operations are being conducted under the directive of His Majesty King Mswati III, who has emphasized the importance of ensuring that every liSwati in distress abroad receives the necessary assistance to return home safely.
Government has reiterated that it remains fully seized with the matter and will continue working tirelessly until all affected citizens are reunited with their families.
Meanwhile, the Ministry has encouraged the public to remain calm and rely only on verified information as developments continue to unfold.
“Members of the public are encouraged to refrain from circulating unverified information and to rely only on official communication from Government and the relevant authorities in host countries,” said the Minister.
Government has assured the nation that further updates will be provided as evacuation operations continue and the situation in the region evolves.
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