MANZINI – Government teams remain actively engaged in identifying and securing safe, reliable and practical evacuation routes for affected emaSwati, says the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
The ministry, in a statement, expressed a wish to provide the nation with an update on government’s ongoing efforts to evacuate emaSwati from the Gulf Region.
Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Pholile Shakantu said the ministry acknowledges the challenges arising from the current airspace closures.
Notwithstanding these constraints, on behalf of government, she assured the nation that the administration remains steadfast in its commitment to the safety, welfare and well-being of all emaSwati abroad.
“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 further wishes to highlight the recent successful repatriation efforts undertaken by government. On March 4, 2026, 25 emaSwati were received back home from the United Arab Emirates,” she said.
Furthermore, she said: “On March 5, 2026, His Majesty’s Government facilitated the safe return to the United Arab Emirates of 13 UAE nationals who had been in the Kingdom of Eswatini. On March 7, 2026, one liSwati national was successfully repatriated from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.”
The minister said these efforts continue to be guided by the command of His Majesty King Mswati III, who has emphasised the importance of ensuring that every liSwati in distress is assisted to return home safely.
Government, she said, remains fully seized with this matter and will continue working tirelessly until all affected citizens are safely reunited with their families.
During this period of uncertainty, the ministry called upon the public to remain calm, united and vigilant.
“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.
Further updates will be issued as the situation evolves. Government thanks the nation for its patience, trust and solidarity,” reads the statement in part.
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