Vilmantas Vitkauskas has announced which Lithuanian citizens will be evacuated
Lithuania has decided to carry out a limited evacuation of its most vulnerable citizens in the United Arab Emirates due to circumstances affecting their safety.
Lithuania's government, represented by Vilmantas Vitkauskas, announced a limited evacuation plan for the country's most vulnerable citizens currently residing in regions where evacuations are feasible. The priority is on those in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), where approximately 20 vulnerable Lithuanian citizens face various risks such as health issues, pregnancy, age, and other concerns. This declaration was made during a press conference on Tuesday.
While flights from the UAE are operational, Vitkauskas emphasized that existing flight capacities are insufficient to meet the urgent needs for evacuation. This situation has arisen as the Lithuanian Foreign Affairs Ministry estimates that around 2,000 Lithuanian citizens are in the region, with the majority—over 1,000—located in the UAE. The limited evacuation aims to ensure the safety of those who are in the most precarious situations.
As the government moves forward with this evacuation plan, the implications could resonate within the Lithuanian community abroad, highlighting the need for better support and resources for citizens in vulnerable positions during crises. The emphasis on evacuating those most at risk underscores a humanitarian approach amidst growing challenges faced by expatriates in volatile regions.