West Asian Conflict: NORKA Support Groups Stand With NRIs

Thiruvananthapuram: In the backdrop of the ongoing tensions in the Middle East, extensive arrangements have been put in place under the leadership of NORKA to ensure assistance and support for expatriate Malayalis across Gulf countries.

As part of the initiative, special NORKA support groups have been constituted in six countries, with dedicated contact numbers established for emergency coordination. The system functions through coordinated efforts involving NORKA Roots, members of the Loka Kerala Sabha, embassy volunteers and recognised expatriate organisations.

A review meeting held at the NORKA Centre assessed the ongoing activities, following an online meeting of Loka Kerala Sabha representatives convened recently by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

Monitoring and Assistance

A special Regional Vigilance Coordination Team has been appointed to closely monitor the evolving situation in the region. So far, 787 calls have reportedly been received at the NORKA Help Desk and the Delhi Kerala House Control Room.

Authorities said necessary assistance has been extended to expatriates stranded at various airports with the support of voluntary organisations. At the same time, several Gulf countries have issued strict warnings against the spread of fake news and rumours. Expatriates have been advised to rely only on official announcements from host governments and Indian missions.

The Ministry of Interior in Qatar has announced that the validity of entry visas will be extended by one month.

Main Control Rooms

NORKA Roots (24 Hours)

Missed Call: +91 8802012345

Toll Free: 1800 425 3939

Delhi Kerala House

011-23747079

011-23742320

+91 9310443880

Ministry of External Affairs

Toll Free: 1800 118 797

+91 11 2301 2113

Country-wise Contact Details

United Arab Emirates

Shiju Basheer (Dubai): +971 55 5712550

Naufal Pattambi (Dubai): +971 56 9978452

Muhammad Rafi (Dubai): +971 50 4558100

Paul T Joseph (Dubai): +971 55 5584700

Krishna Kumar (Abu Dhabi): +971 56 4019318

Manoj (Abu Dhabi): +971 50 6914501

Ibrahim Ambikana (Sharjah): +971 56 1140607

Sree Prakash (Sharjah): +971 50 7945948

Mohanan Pillai (Ras Al Khaimah): +971 55 9492729

Oman

Sunil Kumar: +968 96676406

Anu Chandran: +968 92060939

Santosh Kumar: +968 92338105

Wilson George: +968 99241140

A.K. Pavithran (Salalah): +968 9967 1062

Ambu Mayil (Salalah): +968 95220518

Bahrain

P V Radhakrishna Pillai: +973 3969 1590

P Zubair: +973 3968 2974

Zakharia: +973 3982 7543

Sanjith: +973 3612 9714

KT Salim: +973 3375 0999

Sudheer Thirunillath: +973 3946 1746

Qatar

Shamsir Arikulam: +974 55978668

EM Sudheer: +974 5585 9609

Sabit Zaheer: +974 3316 3774

Omanakuttan: +974 5003 5901

A Sunil Kumar: +974 6668 3986

Kuwait

Saji J: +965 99122984

T V Hikmat: +965 6776 5810

Jithin Prakash: +965 9720 1260

Manikuttan Edakat: +965 558 31679

Sattar Kunnil: +965 6688 2499

Saudi Arabia

Suresh Kannapuram (Riyadh): +966 50287 8719

Shihab Kottukad (Riyadh): +966 56419 5323

Naseer Mulloorkkara (Riyadh): +966 50262 3622

Dr. Shibu (Jeddah): +966 0535504015

Jalil Ucharakadavu (Jeddah): +966 0509710722

Abdullah Mullappally (Jeddah): +966 0501417878

Hasan Parakkal (Jeddah): +966 56 411 3528

Nas Shoukhatali (Dammam): +966 56 995 6848

Pavanan Moolakkal (Dammam): +966 50 166 4800

Basheer Varode (Dammam): +966 53 078 5172

Sunil Muhammad (Dammam): +966 50 197 3118

Zainuddin Amani (Abaha): +966 50 866 0176

Authorities reiterated that expatriates should remain calm, avoid circulating unverified information and stay in close contact with official support channels during the ongoing crisis.