Keeping in Touch with Singaporeans Based in Countries like Jordan and Egypt Given Escalation of Tensions in Middle East
Ministry of Foreign AffairsSpeakers
Summary
This question concerns Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim's inquiry about the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' measures to ensure the safety and evacuation awareness of Singaporeans in the Middle East following heightened tensions between Iran and Israel. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan stated that the Ministry is monitoring the situation and updating travel advisories while missions maintain regular contact with local Singaporean communities. He highlighted that the Ministry collaborates with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore and Student Liaison Officers to reach religious students in Cairo and Jeddah for quick consular assistance. Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Vivian Balakrishnan advised Singaporeans to remain vigilant, eRegister, and purchase comprehensive travel insurance to prepare for potential emergencies. He also reminded those in the region to familiarise themselves with the locations of the nearest Singapore Missions as a precautionary measure.
Transcript
58 Mr Zhulkarnain Abdul Rahim asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs given the escalation of conflict in the Middle East between Iran and Israel, what are the steps that the Ministry will take to reach out to Singaporeans studying or working in the region, particularly those in neighbouring countries like Jordan and Egypt, to check in on their safety and to ensure their familiarity on evacuation plans out of the region in case of emergency.
Dr Vivian Balakrishnan: This response also addresses a similar Parliamentary Question raised by Member Dr Wan Rizal for a subsequent Sitting.
The safety and well-being of Singaporeans overseas are of utmost importance to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA). Given the tensions in the Middle East, we continue to monitor the situation closely and will update our Travel Advisories and Notices accordingly.
Our Missions in the Middle East are in touch with the respective Singaporean communities. MFA also has been working with the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore and its Student Liaison Officers in Cairo and Jeddah to maintain contact with Singapore students pursuing religious studies in the region. This enables us to reach out and provide consular assistance quickly in any emergency.
Singaporeans in the Middle East should remain vigilant and monitor developments closely. They should also take all necessary precautions for their personal safety, purchase comprehensive travel insurance, and eRegister with MFA. As Singapore does not have resident diplomatic missions in all countries in the region, Singaporeans may also wish to familiarise themselves with the locations of the nearest Singapore Missions.