More than 6,400 South African nationals have registered their presence in the Middle East as conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran continues to destabilise the region, the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) said on Friday.
DIRCO reported a sharp rise in registrations on its Travel Smart System as South Africans seek assistance amid intensifying interstate hostilities.
The department urged citizens currently in affected areas to use official channels to facilitate evacuation and to take advantage of limited commercial flights that have resumed.
“Citizens are strongly encouraged to take immediate advantage of this opportunity to leave, as heavy attacks are regrettably expected to continue,” DIRCO said, warning that consular support may be constrained in some countries.
The department also discouraged all non‑essential travel to the region and advised those experiencing difficulties to contact South African embassies or emergency lines for assistance.
The surge in registrations comes as the Middle East faces its most volatile period in years.
Tensions between Iran, Israel and the United States have escalated sharply, with missile strikes, drone attacks and retaliatory operations spreading into Lebanon, United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
The widening conflict has also triggered border closures, flight cancellations and restrictions on civilian movement – factors that have complicated evacuation efforts for South Africans and other foreign nationals.
DIRCO said it is prioritising the safety of South Africans and urged those in need of urgent assistance to contact its emergency line or the South African embassies in Jordan.
JN/APA