Skopje, 8 March 2026 (MIA) - The evacuation of Macedonian nationals from the countries in the Middle East will begin on Sunday and will be carried out via commercial charter flights, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade said.

“The Ministry signed a contract with an airline this afternoon in line with the Public Procurement Law, following the relevant procedure. Under the planned schedule, all Macedonian nationals who have expressed willingness to return are expected to be evacuated by mid-next week,” reads the press release.

The process is fully coordinated by the Ministry and the country’s diplomatic and consular missions in the region. The completion of the public procurement procedure confirms the authorities’ timely and responsible action to protect and assist Macedonian citizens.

According to the latest data, as of today, the Embassy in Doha has been contacted by 150 Macedonian citizens, of whom 95 have expressed readiness for evacuation. The Embassy in Abu Dhabi has been contacted by a total of 585 individuals residing in the United Arab Emirates, as well as 36 from Kuwait, 15 from Bahrain, and 5 from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Ministry reiterated that all Macedonian citizens who have not yet contacted the competent diplomatic or consular missions, but need evacuation or assistance, should do so immediately through the missions’ emergency phone numbers or the Ministry’s SOS line.

Technical and organizational arrangements for the flights will be coordinated with the airline operator, and citizens will be promptly informed.

The Ministry continues to maintain constant communication with citizens and coordinate with relevant institutions, prioritizing their safe and timely return.

Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade