South Africans Told To Act Fast As Middle East Conflict Intensifies

As tensions intensify across the Middle East involving Iran, Israel and the United States, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (Dirco), Airports Company South Africa (Acsa), and Gift of the Givers have issued an urgent call for South Africans in the region to immediately contact their nearest embassy.

South Africans Urged to Register with Embassies

Dirco has urged all South African citizens currently in the Middle East to make contact with embassies accredited to their country of residence to ensure their details are registered and their whereabouts known.

The department cautioned that government assistance may be limited depending on the location of citizens.

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“South Africa’s support in these countries could be limited, and it could be assumed that no face-to-face consular assistance will be possible in an emergency,” Dirco warned.

Citizens are being encouraged to assess their own safety and take responsibility for their security during this volatile period.

Gift of the Givers Issues Direct Appeal

Gift of the Givers confirmed that individuals who had previously registered with South African missions have already been contacted.

“Those who registered with our embassies have already been contacted directly,” the organisation said.
“We advised individuals on our databases to leave even prior to the attacks.”

South Africans who have not yet made contact are being urged to do so without delay.

Embassy Contacts Across the Middle East

South Africans in need of assistance can reach their nearest mission:

• Qatar: +974-5583-2762

• Iran: +98-912-230-8968

• UAE (Dubai): +971-50-558-1235

• Abu Dhabi: +971-50-622-4291 / +971-50-445-9499

• Kuwait: +965-9720-0172 / +965-9979-4483 / +965-9916-7899

• Saudi Arabia – Riyadh (also covering Yemen, Bahrain, Oman): +966-55-812-2215

• Saudi Arabia – Jeddah: +966-56-244-5376

• Jordan: +962-79-552-0245

• Syria (also covering Iraq): +963-966-44-4405

• Palestine (also covering Israel): +972-053-2553-113

Dirco’s Pretoria helpline: +27 12 351 1000
Email: CICC@dirco.gov.za

Flight Chaos: Travellers Told NOT to Go to Airports Without Confirmation

Airports Company South Africa confirmed that international flight schedules have been severely disrupted, largely due to the continued closure of UAE airspace.

Travellers heading to the Middle East or UAE have been strongly warned not to proceed to airport precincts without confirming flight status directly with airlines.

“Travellers scheduled to depart from South African airports to the Middle East and the UAE are strongly advised not to proceed to airport precincts until they have confirmed their flight status,” Acsa said.

Passengers are advised to contact airlines directly for rebooking or updates, including:

• Emirates

• Qatar Airways

Acsa said it continues to monitor developments closely with aviation stakeholders and urged passengers to rely only on verified official information.

As the situation remains unpredictable, authorities stress that early communication and proactive safety decisions could prove critical for South Africans in the region.