New Delhi: The Government of India on Wednesday issued an advisory asking Indian nationals in Yemen to leave the country in view of the continuing fragile situation there. Of about 3500 Indian nationals in Yemen, nearly 2500 are living in capital Sana'a. "The situation in Yemen continues to be fragile. All Indians please avoid travel and leave Yemen," External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj tweeted on Wednesday evening.
Most Indians are employed as nurses in the country, where Houthi Shiite rebels have captured the presidential palace and allegedly forced President Hadi to leave the country. The situation in Yemen remains murky, with Houthi militants claiming capture of in the southern seaport of Aden.
This is a third such advisory of the year.
The government has reiterated its previous advisories of January 21 and March 19, which says, "Indian nationals in Yemen may consider leaving the country on voluntary basis by commercial means, if it is safe to do so."
For those Indians who do not have travel documents or need other consular services, special assistance will be provided at the Indian Embassy in Sana'a. The Indian embassy in Sana'a has set up helplines which can be accessed for information or assistance -- 00-967-734 000 658 and 00-967-734 000 657.
Indian nationals in Yemen have been advised to avoid conflict areas and remain in contact with the embassy officials for advice and updated information on the evolving security situation.