The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson-Smith, has outlined that the Government of Jamaica continues to monitor with concern the rapidly evolving security situation in the Middle East, which has further deteriorated in recent days.

Johnson Smith said the government hopes for an immediate cessation of hostilities and urges calm and restraint for the protection of civilian life.

“The public is reminded of the guidance offered in our most recent advisory to avoid all travel to the region. Nationals already in the Middle East are encouraged to exercise extreme caution and to follow instructions from official sources,” the minister said, speaking at the post-Cabinet press briefing on Wednesday.

Due to the Middle East war, commercial air services across parts of the region have been disrupted, with cancellations and periodic airspace restrictions affecting several routes.

“However, some commercial flights continue to operate from certain locations and Jamaican nationals who wish to depart should remain vigilant, should monitor these flights and should consider available options once it is safe to do so,” Johnson-Smith advised.

Nationals in the region are also urged to continue to follow the instructions of local authorities and to remain alert to developments that may impact their safety.

“It is important to remind Jamaicans and your families to rely on verified information from official sources and established news organisations. Unverified reports circulating online may contribute to confusion and anxiety, and individuals are therefore encouraged to also exercise caution before sharing or acting on unverified information,” the minister added.

Johnson-Smith emphasised that the ministry also acknowledges the responsiveness of Jamaican nationals who have reached out through Jamaica’s overseas diplomatic and consular missions and to its headquarters to provide updates on their welfare.

As of Tuesday afternoon, 178 Jamaicans had registered their presence in the region — up from 138 the previous day. The breakdown includes 85 in the United Arab Emirates, 44 in Kuwait, 40 in Qatar, six in Bahrain, and one each in Saudi Arabia, Oman and Israel.

Johnson-Smith said the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has opened some corridors for safe air travel, but the actual airlines and the flights are not only limited, but they are also subject to cancellation in the event of changing circumstances, which will impact the personal decisions Jamaican nationals take.

A virtual town hall that will be hosted by Jamaica’s High Commissioner to India, who is also accredited to Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, was rescheduled to facilitate further engagement with nationals. The session is aimed at sharing information, reiterating safety guidance—including sheltering in place and identifying the nearest safe shelters—and encouraging preparedness, including maintaining basic food and water supplies.

“Clearly, movement is restricted in different areas more than others. We want to again just encourage calm and continued caution in the sources of news that you listen to. The relevant authorities in the Gulf states have been doing an excellent job in ensuring that on social media, clear information is available, and they too are encouraging that you listen only to verified sources because it is this kind of time where misinformation becomes rife, and people seek to take advantage of vulnerabilities and anxiety,” Johnson-Smith said.

The minister also urged Jamaicans not to overload the ministry’s emergency consular lines (+1-876-391-8105) or (+918826264363), stressing that the numbers are reserved for individuals in urgent need. Both the Kingston-based emergency line and the mission contact in New Delhi remain operational and are being monitored, with callbacks made as necessary

Addressing concerns about evacuation, Johnson Smith said some countries, including the United Kingdom and France, are reportedly considering evacuation measures. However, most governments are currently advising their nationals to monitor commercial flight options within approved safe airspace and make personal safety decisions accordingly.

She encouraged Jamaicans at home to support loved ones abroad by helping them remain calm and informed.

Further updates, she said, will be provided as necessary.