MOFA and MOH Undersecretaries meet to review evacuation plan for Bahraini citizens in Iran

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,  Dr. Shaikha Rana bint Isa bin Daij Al Khalifa, met with the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Walid bin Khalifa Al Manea, today to discuss the developments of the evacuation plan for Bahraini citizens in Iran following the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19) across Iranian cities, announced earlier on February 28, 2020.

Following the first announcement made, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had immediately allocated a hotline for citizens located in Iran to register and provide the necessary information to ensure their safe evacuation back to Bahrain.

During the meeting, Dr. Al Manea reviewed the evacuation plan, devised by the Ministry of Health in cooperation with relevant authorities, which outlines mechanisms for the safe return of Bahraini citizens in Iran. The meeting also presented an opportunity to review precautionary measures and procedures to ensure the safety of citizens and residents.

Dr. Al Manea noted that Bahraini citizens will be evacuated from various Iranian cities in phases, calling on citizens to contact the previously announced hotline no. (+97317227555) as soon as possible, to register contact details and further information in order to assist authorities as they make the necessary arrangements for a smooth evacuation process.

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, HE Dr. Shaikha Rana, affirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to collaborate with relevant authorities within the Ministry of Health and the National Taskforce to Combat Coronavirus (COVID 19), and commended the relentless efforts made by the Ministry of Health and all parties to contain the virus and ensure the health and safety of the Kingdom’s community. 

The Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs further reviewed the steps taken to enhance awareness of the virus amongst citizens, including recent policies to ensure citizens do not travel to COVID-19-affected countries.

Dr. Shaikh Rana further underscored the Ministry’s role in ensuring Bahraini citizens remain safe and healthy via its missions across the world.