Dubai-Trapped Punjabi Tourists: Visas Expired & Pockets Empty, Punjab Govt Seeks Central Intervention

Published on: 03 Mar 2026 at 04:49 PM

Published by: thefactnews

Dubai-Trapped Punjabi Tourists: Visas Expired & Pockets Empty, Punjab Govt Seeks Central Intervention

Chandigarh/Delhi: March 3, 2026
Israel-Iran bloody conflict has created extremely critical conditions in West Asia. Its biggest impact falls on Punjabis who went to Dubai and other Arab countries on tourist visas.

Current Situation & Main Challenges

Visa & Fund Shortage: Peak tourist season (Oct-Mar) brought large numbers of Punjabis there. Now flight cancellations mean visas expiring, limited money causing major living difficulties.
Helpline Flood: ~150 calls since morning to govt helplines.
Oman Embassy Contact Lost: Minister expressed concern over broken communication with Indian embassy in Oman, unclear status of trapped workers/tourists there.

Punjab Govt Action

CM Bhagwant Mann personally took command:

Letter to Centre: Requested MEA meeting for special rescue flights to safely return stranded Punjabis.
DCs Meeting: Video conference with all district Deputy Commissioners, ordered data collection of trapped locals.
Helpline Numbers: Special numbers issued for direct victim family contact.