Skopje, 8 March 2026 (MIA) - The first group of Macedonian citizens to be evacuated Sunday will fly from Dubai to Skopje, Prime Minister and VMRO-DPMNE leader Hristijan Mickoski said.

He explained that charter flights from Saudi Arabia are being organized to transport Macedonian citizens currently in Qatar and Kuwait. According to him, these passengers are expected to depart on Wednesday.

“A total of four charter flights are being arranged these days, offering several dozen available seats. Additionally, some countries in the region have requested that we transport their citizens to Macedonia,” Mickoski said.

He noted that this illustrates the difference between the previous and current government, adding that Macedonia today is a factor of stability in the region and assists other countries, unlike in the past.

“From the once-weak government in Macedonia, which knelt to obtain 5,000 vaccines, today we are a factor of stability and help countries in the region. That is the difference between those from SDSM and DUI, and this government led by VMRO-DPMNE,” Mickoski said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade previously announced that Sunday the evacuation of Macedonian citizens from countries in the Middle East will begin, to be carried out via commercial charter flights.

“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.

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: MIA