Help is on its way for Kiwis stuck in the Middle East

As the US and Israel ramp up their war efforts in Iran, the wider region has become more unstable. 

The security challenges have the government worried for the 3,000 New Zealanders registered as being in the Middle East, with MFAT.

“The events in the Middle East are fast-moving, dangerous and complex - and our primary focus is on assisting New Zealanders in the region to the extent possible in this very challenging security environment,” Foreign Minister Winston Peters said.

Kiwis over there were asked to shelter in place for the time being, but were assured that help is on its way. 

“We are pre-deploying New Zealand consular staff and two Defence Force planes to the region - so that they can be ready when conditions allow to assist with any civilian evacuation operations.”

There was uncertainty over the timeline, however, because of the risks associated.

“We cannot be sure when and how any civilian evacuation operations might be possible, but we want to be ready if and when conditions on the ground make them possible,” Peters said. 

Despite the planes being sent for New Zealanders, it is believed they would help others who are also stuck.

“Based on New Zealand’s record… we would not be standing around staring at their entitlement to be on the plane. If they’ve got any legitimate reason… they’ll be on the plane as fast as we can get them there.”

The Foreign Minister was also anticipating calls from other countries that may want assistance. 

“We're members of the Pacific Islands Forum, you can expect them to ask us... then you'll expect people from the Commonwealth to do the same and then other countries from all around the world, if we can help, they'll be asking us as well."

Details of the possible deployment were being kept under wraps for the time being, due to the security of the operation.

New Zealanders needing urgent consular assistance should call the Ministry’s Emergency Consular Call Centre on +64 99 20 20 20