Vietnamese students in the Middle East: Staying calm amidst turmoil, trusting in citizen protection efforts

Middle East conflict escalates. Satellite images show an Iranian warship on fire at the port following an attack. (Source: Vantor)

In Kuwait, where drone attacks targeting aviation infrastructure have been reported, educational institutions have temporarily closed to ensure student safety.

Do Minh, an exchange student at Kuwait University.

Do Minh, an exchange student at Kuwait University, shared: “Currently, venturing outside the central area poses many risks. The university has temporarily closed, so I mainly stay in my residence and await further announcements.”

Minh noted that personal activities remain relatively stable, maintaining calm amidst the complex developments.

According to Minh, the Vietnamese Embassy in Kuwait regularly updates information and promptly issues advisories to the Vietnamese community to ensure safety and psychological stability for residents and students.

Meanwhile, in Qatar, Minh Phuong, a student at Qatar University, stated that although daily life has not been significantly disrupted, all academic activities have swiftly shifted online.

“We all received national-level alerts on our phones. While there is some anxiety as this is the first time experiencing such a major upheaval, the attention from the university and especially the reassurance from the Embassy have helped everyone maintain the necessary calm,” Phương confided.

Minh Phuong - a student at Qatar University.

Currently, students have prepared simple belongings and essential supplies, ready for evacuation if the situation worsens.

Phuong shared that her family is particularly attentive, closely monitoring developments in the host country, and maintaining regular contact. Despite unavoidable worries, her relatives encourage and reassure her to maintain health and avoid excessive stress given the current situation.

In Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Nhat Tan, a student at S P Jain School of Global Management, noted that while his area has not been directly affected, vigilance remains high.

According to Tan, following information from the Vietnamese Embassy here is crucial for quickly updating safety measures.

“Airports here have temporarily closed, and the university continuously advises students to limit going outside,” Tân reported.

Nhat Tan reports that while his area has not been directly affected, vigilance remains high.

Amidst unpredictable developments in the region, Vietnamese representative agencies in the Middle East have simultaneously activated the highest level of citizen protection mechanisms.

On February 28, the Vietnamese Embassies in Qatar, UAE, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia issued urgent notices, advising the community to heighten vigilance and strengthen safety measures.

The close guidance of the Government and the proactive approach of representative agencies have become a crucial spiritual support for the overseas Vietnamese community.

Continuous updates through official channels and social media, along with maintaining a 24/7 citizen protection hotline, contribute to forming a timely and effective support mechanism for the community in the current context.