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In view of the “sharp and unprecedented” deterioration in the situation in Libya, the Indian Government has decided to immediately commence evacuation of its citizens from that country, the Ministry of External Affairs announced in an official statement on Thursday.
“The evacuation is being arranged by sea and by air. The Government has chartered a passenger ferry with a capacity to seat 1,200 persons for this purpose. The ship, ‘Scotia Prince' is already in Egypt and readying for sail to Benghazi, which will be the initial focus of the evacuation operations. MEA personnel and a medical team will be on board to assist the evacuees. Scotia Prince is expected to reach Benghazi by February 27 and bring back at least 1,200 persons to Alexandria (Egypt) by March 1. Thereafter, they would be flown home from Alexandria by special Air India flights which are being arranged,” the statement adds.
In Tripoli, the focus will be on evacuation by air, the statement said, adding that aircraft are on stand-by for this purpose. “Libyan landing clearance is awaited and should be received soon,” the statement adds.
Currently there are about 18,000 Indians in Libya, including 8,000 in Tripoli, 1,200 in Benghazi, 2,000 in Sebha and about 700 Indians in Kofra. Domestic companies with a presence in Libya include Oil India Ltd, OVL, BHEL, Punj Lloyd and Unitech Infra, among others.
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