\n<\/p>\n
For some, a different worry loomed: whether their families would be allowed on board the repatriation flights.<\/p>\n
In an email to Singaporeans who had e-registered with the ministry, MFA said the flights are strictly for Singaporeans and their dependents. Pets are not permitted on board.<\/p>\n
Ms Sallehati Salleh, 43, who lives in Qatar, registered interest in the flight out of Muscat. While she feels safe, her family wants to leave for peace of mind. Her concern is whether her non-Singaporean husband and son would be permitted to travel with her.<\/p>\n
\u201cI completely understand it should be just for Singaporeans. One hundred per cent understand. But this is our situation, so I will not leave them,\u201d the housewife said.<\/p>\n
Mrs Alison Powell, 52, also based in Qatar, faces the same dilemma with her non-Singaporean husband, and has yet to decide whether to take the flight.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt’s very surreal. On one hand, things are normal. On the other hand, there are missiles flying outside from West Bay,\u201d said the teaching assistant, referring to an area in Doha. \u00a0<\/p>\n
The attacks were bad last Saturday before quietening, she said, but had intensified again on Thursday.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Singapore government is doing their best to help us. So we\u2019re relieved that there are options. It’s not like we’re stranded here,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
For Ms Laila Humairah, 35, a broadcast journalist in Qatar, one concern is having to leave her cat behind.<\/p>\n
\u201cI 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,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
While the situation feels unsettling, she trusts the local authorities to keep residents safe.<\/p>\n
For some, remaining in place feels like the right choice.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cI guess you’ll be on the edge if you’re out on the road and things can change any second \u2026 I think that journey is scarier than staying at home at the moment,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
She was also anxious about getting stuck at borders enroute. Being surrounded by a familiar community, she said, felt more reassuring.<\/p>\n
The local Singapore community \u2013 known as Red Dotters \u2013 had been especially active in sharing information and looking out for one another.<\/p>\n
In Dubai, Dinesh \u2013 who declined to give his full name \u2013 said life is going on as usual. He has lived there for nearly 15 years and felt no need to leave.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere’s a level of transparency here with the government, and what they’re doing, so there’s no reason to panic,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
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.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/div>\n