(ANN/STRAITS TIMES) – Asia-Pacific nations, including the Philippines, Indonesia, and Australia, are swiftly moving to evacuate thousands of citizens as tensions in the Middle East escalate.
Clashes between Israel and Iran, alongside Tehran-backed Hezbollah and Hamas, have intensified.
On October 2, officials confirmed efforts to secure chartered flights for citizens while Beirut’s airport remains operational. South Korea has already dispatched a military plane to assist with repatriation.
The Philippine government plans to evacuate over 1,200 Filipinos from Lebanon, part of the 11,000 who have sought assistance. However, repatriation efforts have been delayed due to exit clearances and flight cancellations caused by explosions in Lebanon. Migrant Workers Undersecretary Bernard Olalia indicated the government is also exploring alternative routes through Damascus in case of a Beirut airport closure.
So far, around 430 Filipino migrant workers and 28 dependents have been evacuated. Singapore, in its updated travel advisory, urged citizens to leave Lebanon immediately via commercial flights, warning them to avoid protests and large gatherings.
Indonesia, with approximately 159 citizens in Lebanon, has already facilitated the return of 25 people. Indonesian embassies across the Middle East are coordinating evacuation efforts, while President Joko Widodo has emphasized prioritising citizens’ safety.
South Korea has followed suit, deploying a military aircraft for evacuation and calling for international cooperation to restore stability in the region. Similarly, Australia has secured flights for 580 citizens and urged the remaining 15,000 Australians in Lebanon to leave as soon as possible.
Governments worldwide are urging citizens to evacuate Lebanon while routes remain open, underscoring the gravity of the situation. As Dutch Ambassador to Lebanon Frank Mollen put it, “Go while you still can.”
