UK government: FCDO will contact British nationals in Oman

UK government: FCDO will contact British nationals in Oman

UK Government to Coordinate Evacuation of British Nationals in Oman Amid Regional Escalation

The UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has confirmed plans to charter flights from Oman to evacuate British nationals amid escalating regional tensions following Iranian strikes and US-Israeli military actions. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper stated that the government is prioritizing vulnerable citizens and working to increase flight capacity from Muscat as airspace restrictions persist.

Over 130,000 British nationals have registered their presence with the FCDO to receive real-time updates, with approximately half located in the UAE. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer estimated at least 200,000 UK citizens are in the Gulf region, including residents, tourists, and transit passengers. The FCDO has activated its crisis response protocols, urging individuals to remain in secure locations and follow local authorities' instructions.

The evacuation effort follows Iran's retaliatory strikes targeting Gulf infrastructure, including airports in Dubai and Doha, which have disrupted commercial flights. Qatari airspace remains closed, while the UAE has intercepted 186 missiles since the conflict intensified. The government has partnered with airlines to facilitate departures, with an Etihad Airways flight already repatriating stranded citizens to Heathrow.

Businesses with employees in the region are reviewing duty-of-care protocols, including emergency communication systems and secure accommodations, as insurers increasingly require evidence of compliance with FCDO guidance to honor claims. Employers in energy, construction, and professional services are advised to conduct daily location audits and stagger staff rotations to mitigate risks.

The FCDO has fielded 2,700 inquiries, with Britons in Oman instructed to await direct contact for evacuation details. While no UK nationals have been injured so far, the government emphasizes the rapidly evolving security landscape, urging continued vigilance.

This operation marks the largest-scale crisis response in the FCDO's history, reflecting the unprecedented scale of British nationals affected by the regional conflict. Updates will be provided as the situation develops.