Bahrain embassy sets up Saudi transit visa to repatriate Indians; Here’s what you need to know
Manama: The Indian Embassy in Bahrain has announced that transit visa arrangements have been made through Saudi Arabia to repatriate Indian nationals stranded in Bahrain due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.
According to a statement issued by the embassy, priority will be given to individuals on tourist or short-term visas.
Vinod K Jacob, Indian Ambassador to Bahrain, stated that the Indian Embassy in Riyadh will obtain individual transit visas from the Saudi government upon request. The Indian Embassy in Bahrain will submit the necessary transit visa requests to the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.
The Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for transit visas via Saudi Arabia has been issued, which are as follows
Passengers intending to travel to India must hold a confirmed air ticket.
It has been advised that a formal note issued by the Indian Embassy in Riyadh should be presented to Saudi immigration officials at the checkpoint before entering Saudi Arabia.
The Saudi transit visa is valid for 72 to 96 hours. Passengers are required to leave Saudi Arabia for India within this period. It has also been advised that travelers should reach the Saudi checkpoint during daylight hours.
The Embassy has urged all Indian nationals in Bahrain to remain vigilant and take necessary precautions in view of the current regional situation. They are requested to follow the instructions issued by local authorities and the Embassy.
The Indian Embassy in Bahrain continues to operate as usual, with a 24×7 helpline available for urgent assistance. For immediate support, citizens can contact +973 39418071 or +973 38400433.
Indians wishing to avail of the transit visa facility can submit their requests along with personal details, including visa and passport information, to the email address wel2.bahrain@mea.gov.in, the Embassy said.
Advisory 👇@MEAIndia @IndianDiplomacy @diaspora_india pic.twitter.com/JyjHYxmluP
— India in Bahrain (@IndiaInBahrain) March 9, 2026
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Deputy CM Shivakumar slams BJP MPs for their silence on LPG shortage in India
Bengaluru (PTI): Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Tuesday said the shortage of LPG refills has become a serious concern in the state, amid warnings from hotel owners that they may be forced to shut down operations if supplies do not improve soon.
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said the issue must be discussed in Parliament and urged Members of Parliament to raise the matter, as the shortage was affecting businesses and the public.
"The government must discuss this in Parliament. They should allow a discussion today... From today itself, we are facing problems. There is no stock," he said.
The Deputy Chief Minister criticised BJP MPs for not speaking about the LPG shortage despite its impact on businesses such as hotels and catering establishments.
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He noted that hoteliers have already begun limiting their operations due to dwindling supplies.
"Now, because of the gas price hike and the gas shortage, people are going on strike, but the BJP MPs are not talking about it. They raise their voice on many other issues - strangely enough - but they are silent on this," he said.
Shivakumar also pointed to the rising fuel costs, saying diesel prices had recently increased sharply, adding further pressure on businesses.
According to him, the combined impact of fuel price increases and LPG supply disruptions was affecting the hospitality sector.
He said even former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda spoke about some of the issues pertaining to Karnataka and called for discussion.
"Deve Gowda is talking about Mekedatu and Yettinahole projects. Let him direct his party MPs to talk about this (fuel shortage) in the Parliament.
It is not right for me to launch a verbal attack on him, considering his age. Let him suggest solutions for Mekedatu and Yettinahole. Let his party MLAs talk about what their party did, and I will counter it with what we have done," Shivakumar said.
Hotel associations in the state have warned that continued supply shortages could force establishments to temporarily shut down, particularly those dependent on commercial LPG cylinders for daily cooking. The Deputy Chief Minister indicated that the issue required urgent attention at the national level, as LPG supply and pricing fall under the Centre's purview.
