A total of 323 Malaysian citizens in Qatar have registered to participate in the voluntary evacuation operation. The government stated that any remaining Malaysians still stranded there may still sign up later today, until the final list is confirmed.
Malaysia’s Ambassador to Qatar, Fawza, stated that the first flight carrying evacuees back to Malaysia is expected to depart as early as Monday or Tuesday, transiting through Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, though the exact time has yet to be finalized.
“As of this evening, about 323 of our citizens have filled out the form, expressing their willingness to return to Malaysia.”
He made these remarks during an online briefing held for Malaysians in Qatar.
He continued, saying the Malaysian Embassy in Doha is coordinating the evacuation arrangements with the assistance of the Malaysian Association in Qatar (MAQ) and several community coordinators.
Fawza emphasized that the evacuation is voluntary, and encouraged those willing to remain in Qatar to do so, as it is unlikely that another evacuation operation will be organized after this.
The evacuation plan includes transporting evacuees by bus from Doha to the Abu Samra border, then processing entry into Saudi Arabia at the Salwa border checkpoint, before proceeding on to Riyadh.
“The overland journey from Doha to Riyadh is expected to take about 12 hours, including immigration processing at both border checkpoints.”
The Malaysian government is working to arrange a special flight from Riyadh to Kuala Lumpur, and has already contacted airlines to assist with the evacuation.
He added that Malaysians taking part in the evacuation can bring their spouses (including non-Malaysian spouses) as well as household helpers from ASEAN countries.