Around 360 Finns stranded in the United Arab Emirates have publicly criticized the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Finnair for their lack of support in a recent statement. The Finnish Ministry estimates that there are about 2,000 Finns currently in the UAE. In light of the precarious situation in the Middle East, these stranded travelers feel abandoned and caught in the middle of a dispute between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and insurance companies.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is organizing a self-funded flight costing €2,300 for those stranded, which has raised concerns from Finns, especially since neighboring Estonia has managed to repatriate its citizens at a lower cost. Many of those stuck in Dubai are bewildered by the financial burden being placed upon them, especially considering their travel bookings have been disrupted due to canceled flights. As a result, they feel squeezed between government officials and insurance companies over financial responsibilities.

In a statement released through a WhatsApp group, the stranded Finns voiced their disappointment and frustration with the responses from Finnish authorities and the airline. They believe they deserve better treatment during this distressing time, particularly when they feel like they have been left to navigate the situation with minimal support. Overall, this highlights the broader implications of foreign policy and crisis management for Finnish citizens abroad.