Relief and uncertainty for Singaporeans in the Middle East as repatriation flights beckon

“The Singapore government is doing their best to help us. So we’re relieved that there are options. It’s not like we’re stranded here,” she said.

For Ms Laila Humairah, 35, a broadcast journalist in Qatar, one concern is having to leave her cat behind.

“I just wouldn’t have enough time to prepare the travel documents needed for my cat with me, and there’s no way that I’m leaving her here,” she said.

While the situation feels unsettling, she trusts the local authorities to keep residents safe.

STAYING PUT

For some, remaining in place feels like the right choice.

A Singaporean in Qatar who wanted to be known only as Shar said she was unsure if the situation would change during the journey itself.

“I guess you’ll be on the edge if you’re out on the road and things can change any second … I think that journey is scarier than staying at home at the moment,” she said.

She was also anxious about getting stuck at borders enroute. Being surrounded by a familiar community, she said, felt more reassuring.

The local Singapore community – known as Red Dotters – had been especially active in sharing information and looking out for one another.

In Dubai, Dinesh – who declined to give his full name – said life is going on as usual. He has lived there for nearly 15 years and felt no need to leave.

“There’s a level of transparency here with the government, and what they’re doing, so there’s no reason to panic,” he said.

He has two siblings with him in Dubai, and the family checks in with their parents back in Singapore every few hours. “I give them the reassurance that everything is fine.”