Bhutanese working in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries are facing growing difficulties returning home. Limited flight options and rising travel costs are among the main challenges. In some cases, withheld passports have further complicated travel.
Bhutanese in the Middle East told BBS that the absence of direct airline services has disrupted travel plans, leaving them with few alternatives.
For many, the only feasible route is to arrange travel through tour operators to Saudi Arabia before continuing onward to Bhutan.
“Here, the main challenges stem from job disruptions and the closure of airspace. With all air routes shut, we have been relying on our savings to meet basic needs. The key assistance we need is in retrieving our passports, which are currently held by our employers. The Bhutanese Embassy has been doing its best to support us, but we would appreciate it if the process could be expedited,” said Tshering Yangchen in Kuwait.
Similar concerns are emerging across Gulf Cooperation Council countries. Bhutanese workers have taken to online platforms such as Telegram groups to raise the issue and seek help, as more cases of withheld passports come to light.
Despite these challenges, the government says Bhutanese in the region remain safe.
The Foreign Minister said the Royal Bhutanese Embassy in Kuwait is in regular contact with the Bhutanese community across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and continues to monitor their safety and well-being.
As of now, more than 7,000 Bhutanese have registered with the Embassy, with no reports of any nationals being harmed or injured.
The minister said Bhutanese wishing to return home are being encouraged to do so voluntarily, depending on their individual circumstances. The Embassy has been sharing information on available travel options and assisting with arrangements.
“What we have done is we have formed a monitoring cell, and the team from the monitoring cell is submitting a daily situation report to the ministry and to the government in Bhutan. Here, through the Royal Government of Bhutan, we have created and started a national coordination committee in which many agencies are involved. In the event the situation deteriorates, we need to go for evacuation. If at all we need to go for evacuation, what responsibilities will be taken by the respective agencies? We have already formed a committee to do that national coordination committee,” said D.N Dhungyel, Foreign Affairs and External Trade Minister.
The Embassy has urged Bhutanese facing difficulties to come forward so that timely assistance can be provided.
Samten Dolkar
Edited by Sonam Pem
