MBABANE – Government has brought home another liSwati national from Abu Dhabi as efforts continue to evacuate emaSwati from the Gulf region amid ongoing airspace closures affecting travel routes.
The update was provided by Pholile Shakantu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, in a press statement issued on March 8, 2026. The statement informed the nation about the progress of the government led operation aimed at assisting emaSwati affected by travel disruptions in the Gulf.
According to the ministry, officials continue to deal with challenges caused by the closure of airspace in parts of the region. Despite these conditions, government teams remain actively engaged in identifying and securing safe, reliable and practical routes to evacuate emaSwati who are still stranded.
Government assured the nation that it remains committed to the safety, welfare and well being of emaSwati living abroad. Arrangements to evacuate another group of citizens are already at an advanced stage and their arrival in the Kingdom is expected before the end of the week, depending on operational conditions and approvals from authorities in the affected countries.
Recent repatriation efforts have already seen several citizens return home. On March 4, 2026, a group of 25 emaSwati arrived in the Kingdom after being repatriated from the United Arab Emirates.
On March 5, His Majesty’s Government also facilitated the safe return of thirteen nationals from the United Arab Emirates who had been in the Kingdom of Eswatini, allowing them to reunite with their families back home.
Another liSwati national was successfully repatriated on March 7 after travelling from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
Government stated that the repatriation programme is being carried out under the direction of Mswati III.
“These efforts continue to be guided by the command of His Majesty King Mswati III, who has underscored the importance of ensuring that every liSwati in distress is assisted to return home safely.”
The ministry said government remains fully engaged with the situation and will continue working until all affected citizens are reunited with their families.
During the ongoing situation, the ministry called on the public to remain calm, united and vigilant. Members of the public were also encouraged to avoid sharing unverified information and instead rely on official communication issued by government and authorities in the countries where emaSwati are based.
Further updates will be provided as the situation develops, with government thanking the nation for its patience, trust and solidarity during the ongoing evacuation process.
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