The first batch of Indian nationals stuck in conflict-ridden Libya is expected to return before the weekend, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said here on Wednesday. With the North African country witnessing the fiercest violence since the fall of Muammar Qadhafi, several countries are evacuating their citizens from Libya.
While France evacuated 50 people — mostly French and some British nationals — on Wednesday, Portugal, the Netherlands, Canada and Bulgaria have either evacuated their citizens or closed down their embassies.
On Wednesday, Thailand asked Libya to waive its visa rules to facilitate the return of its nationals.
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External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj chaired a high-level meeting to take stock of the situation. Ms. Swaraj directed transfer of funds from the Indian Community Welfare Fund (set up by the Ministry of Overseas Indian Affairs) for use by Indians in difficult circumstances in Libya.
Ms. Swaraj also directed that a Joint Secretary-rank officer be deployed to help facilitate the return of Indians.
Libyan companies employing about 450 Indian nationals had agreed to allow them to return to India, the MEA informed.
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“The Ambassador of India has informed that companies employing 450 Indians in the Western part of Libya have agreed to send them back at their own cost,” MEA spokesperson Syed Akbaruddin said.
“Tickets are being purchased for Indians who have evinced interest in returning,” Mr. Akbaruddin added.
At least, 58 Indian nurses from among 750 all over Libya have indicated their desire to return to India, he said.
Philippine nurse rapedAFP reports from Tripoli:
Unknown kidnappers on Wednesday seized a Philippine nurse in the Libyan capital, held her for several hours and raped her, medics and security officials said.
A health ministry statement said the incident could push the Philippines government to speed up the evacuation of its citizens, 3,000 of whom work in Libya as doctors and nurses, as the country sinks further into chaos.