The Indian Embassy in Abu Dhabi has also encouraged residents to follow its official WhatsApp channel for verified travel and consular updates
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has dismissed reports claiming that India and the United Arab Emirates were preparing a large-scale evacuation plan for Indian workers because of rising tensions in West Asia.
Speaking at a media briefing on 11 May, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said there was “no basis in fact” to the report. The ministry also used its official fact-checking social media channels to label the claims as fake news.
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The clarification came after a newspaper report suggested that Indian authorities were discussing plans to move workers through Fujairah port if the regional situation worsened
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The rumour quickly spread online, creating concern among Indian families and workers living in the UAE
Around 3.5 million Indians live and work in the United Arab Emirates, mainly in sectors such as construction, hospitality, retail and healthcare. Any suggestion of an evacuation often leads to panic, rising airfares and pressure on embassy helplines.
Experts say that despite ongoing tensions in parts of West Asia, airports and ports in the UAE continue to operate normally. There is currently no general travel warning against visiting or travelling through the Emirates.
Industry observers noted that employers should continue focusing on standard safety measures, including maintaining updated employee contact details, emergency planning and flexible leave arrangements, instead of expecting government-led evacuation operations.
The incident has also highlighted how quickly misinformation can spread during times of uncertainty. Relocation and travel firms praised the MEA for responding swiftly through its official social media accounts, helping businesses and workers avoid unnecessary panic.
