Thiruvananthapuram: Amidst the rising tension in Iraq, 44 Indian nurses have been asked submit in writing that they require government assistance in returning or wish to stay on, according to an NDTV report.
Sources in the Ministry for External Affairs told the new channel that many nurses preferred to stay on. However, the Kerala government said it received an SOS call from a group of nurses on Friday after which Chief Minister Oomen Chandy called Foreign Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to brief her, according to the report.
Meanwhile, India on Sunday asked its citizens not to travel to the troubled-torn country and set up a 24-hour helpline to offer assistance to those living there.
Read: Avoid travel to Iraq, expats should consider returning: Indian Government
The government also asked Indians residing in Iraq to consider leaving the country in view of the "precarious" security situation there. "In view of the precarious security situation prevailing in Iraq, Indian nationals are advised to avoid all travel to Iraq," External Affairs Ministry (MEA) said.
The Indian Embassy in Baghdad has set up a 24-hour helpline which can be accessed for information or assistance. The MEA also said "Indian nationals in Iraq may consider leaving the country by commercial means if it is safe to do so."
It also asked Indians living in violence-affected areas in Iraq to remain indoors and remain in contact with Indian Embassy in Baghdad.
Read: Iraq forces kill 279 militants in 24 hours: spokesman
"Those nationals who do not have travel documents or need other consular services are advised to seek assistance from the Indian Embassy in Baghdad," the MEA also said.
The MEA has given the following phone numbers for those who need any assistance -Tel. No. +964 770 444 4899; +964 770 444 4899 (Mobile), Tel No. +964 770 484 3247; +964 770 484 3247 (Mobile).
