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International SOS activates crisis team in wake of anti-government protests in Bahrain

International SOS, the world's leading international healthcare, medical and security assistance, and concierge services company, is providing advice and emergency assistance to clients based in Bahrain, or who have employees, students or other individuals traveling there.

In the immediate wake of the anti-government protests in Bahrain, International SOS activated a crisis management team in Dubai supported by International SOS alarm centers in London, Philadelphia and other locations.

The International SOS team on the ground in Manama, Bahrain is monitoring conditions, aligning support resources and providing assistance to members. The team includes medical, aviation and logistical experts as well as security specialists, who are part of a joint venture between International SOS and Control Risks, one of the world's leading security risk management consultancies. 

At this time, International SOS encourages its clients to call one of its 28 alarm centers for assistance if evacuating any of its travelers, expatriates and their families from Bahrain.  For the latest information and advice, members can visit the travel security membership website. 

Travel Advice to our Clients
International SOS and Control Risks are closely observing the state of affairs in Bahrain and updating clients with travel advice regularly to assist them with preparing and responding to the situation: 

• Personnel who are flexible in their arrangements should postpone travel to Bahrain until the situation has stabilized. While foreigners are unlikely to be directly targeted in any violence, unrest poses incidental risks and may severely restrict overland travel and business activity.
• Evacuation is not currently necessary; however, personnel should be aware of the geographical challenges associated with evacuation from Bahrain. In the event of deterioration, travel within as well as in/out of Bahrain may become difficult with little or no notice, and personnel may be required to remain in secure accommodation until the situation has stabilized.
• Flight tickets and business-class transport are currently in high demand; personnel should arrange travel well in advance and reconfirm all bookings. Travelers should prearrange to be met on arrival by a hotel representative or local host and prearrange transport for the duration of their stay. A private vehicle and experienced local driver are preferable at this time; travelers should not self-drive unless very familiar with local conditions.
• Further unrest, carrying a credible risk of clashes with the security forces, is likely. The security forces may employ heavy handed tactics to disperse protesters. Personnel should liaise with hotel staff and hosts about the location and timing of planned protest activities, and should strictly avoid all protests, rallies and demonstrations. In the event of encountering unrest, where possible to do so safely, travellers should return to their accommodation until the situation has stabilized.
• Personnel should be aware that a localized deterioration in the security situation is possible, and should know what to do if a security incident occurs. Travelers and expatriates with concerns relating to their contingency planning should contact their security or HR function.
• To date, unrest has focused around the vicinity of Pearl Square in the capital, as well as some Shia villages outside Manama, and has largely been contained by the security forces. However, it is possible that localized bouts of unrest may occur elsewhere. Travelers should monitor developments closely prior to and during their stay, and be cautious when undertaking road movement at this time.
• Travel around Manama will be severely disrupted by security force checkpoints and congested traffic in the coming days. This will significantly restrict business activity. Adhere to security force instructions and to any diversionary routes implemented. Avoid trying to circumvent these.
• Be aware that the security forces' sensitivities are likely to be heightened at this time. Approach roadblocks with caution and treat the security forces you encounter with patience and respect. Carry photographic identification on your person at all times to ease passage through checkpoints.
• During periods of internal strife curfews are often instituted. Be aware that curfew hours may be subject to change with little or no notice. Stay abreast of, and observe, curfew hours.
• Note: This travel security advice continually gets updated as the situation evolves. Kindly check the members' website to ensure you have the latest information.
  

About International SOS
International SOS (http://www.internationalsos.com) is the world's leading international healthcare, medical and security assistance, and concierge services company. Operating in over 70 countries, International SOS provides integrated medical, clinical, security, and customer care solutions to organizations with international operations. A global team of over 8,000 employees led by 970 full-time physicians and 200 security specialists provides services including planning, preventative programs, in-country expertise and emergency response to 66 percent of the Fortune Global 500 companies.