More than 6,400 citizens of South Africa have registered their presence across the Middle East as hostilities involving the United States, Israel, and Iran continue to destabilise the region, according to the country’s foreign ministry.

The Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said on Friday, March 6, that registrations on its Travel Smart system have surged sharply as South Africans in the region seek assistance amid intensifying interstate violence.

The department urged citizens in affected areas to prioritise evacuation while limited commercial flights remain available.

“Citizens are strongly encouraged to take immediate advantage of this opportunity to leave, as heavy attacks are regrettably expected to continue,” the department said in a statement.

It also cautioned that consular support could become restricted in some locations as the conflict escalates.

Authorities further advised against non-essential travel to the region and urged those facing difficulties to contact South African embassies or emergency support lines.

Border closures and airspace restrictions complicate evacuations

The spike in registrations comes as the Middle East experiences one of its most volatile security crises in recent years.

Military tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States have intensified, with missile strikes, drone attacks, and retaliatory operations widening beyond immediate battle zones.

Neighbouring countries, including Lebanon, the United Arab Emirates, and Qatar, have also felt the ripple effects of the conflict, as heightened security measures disrupt civilian movement.

Border closures, flight cancellations, and airspace restrictions have complicated evacuation plans for foreign nationals, including South Africans attempting to leave the region.

DIRCO said the safety of South African citizens remains its top priority. Officials urged anyone requiring urgent assistance to contact the department’s emergency lines or South African diplomatic missions, particularly the embassy in Jordan, which is helping coordinate support efforts for those seeking to depart the conflict zone. (Business Insider Africa)

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