KUALA LUMPUR – A total of 323 Malaysian citizens residing in Qatar have registered for a government-led voluntary repatriation program, with the first evacuation flight expected to depart as early as next week.
The Malaysian Ambassador to Qatar, Mohd Faizal Razali, confirmed that the embassy in Doha is currently coordinating the logistics with the support of the Malaysian Association in Qatar (MAQ) and various community leaders. The final list of participants is expected to be finalized by Saturday.
The evacuation plan involves a multi-stage journey starting with a bus trip from Doha to the Abu Samra border. From there, citizens will enter Saudi Arabia via the Salwa border before proceeding to Riyadh. The overland journey is estimated to take approximately 12 hours, accounting for immigration clearances at both checkpoints.
“The first flight carrying Malaysians back home is expected to depart from Riyadh as early as Monday or Tuesday, though the exact schedule is still being finalized,” Mohd Faizal stated during an online briefing.
The Malaysian government is currently negotiating with several airlines to secure special flights from Riyadh to Kuala Lumpur. The repatriation effort is open to Malaysian citizens and their families, including non-citizen spouses and ASEAN domestic workers.
Ambassador Mohd Faizal emphasized that while the program is voluntary, citizens are strongly encouraged to participate as a subsequent repatriation operation is unlikely to be organized.
Participants are advised to ensure their passports are valid for at least six months, obtain the necessary Saudi Arabian e-visas, and settle any outstanding administrative or legal matters in Qatar to ensure a smooth transition at the border.
The operation comes amid heightening regional instability, prompting the government to prioritize the safety and orderly return of its nationals.
