Press announcement
Tensions in the Middle East: Increasing Requests for Assistance to Safeguard Workforces
Updated
Since 28 February, following the rapid deterioration of the security situation in the Middle East, International SOS has handled more than 2,600 requests for assistance, evacuated 440+ people via land and air, supported 1,045+ clients, and issued 145+ alerts related to the crisis.
These requests primarily concern departures from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar and Israel, with evacuation routes via Saudi Arabia, Oman, Jordan and Egypt.
More than 900 organizations – companies, NGOs, international organizations, schools and universities – with employees and students in the region have contacted International SOS.
As the tensions in the Middle East continue to evolve, organizations should prioritise robust business continuity and resilience measures. This includes relying on official government advisories, reassessing evacuation feasibility daily, and remaining agile as conditions change. Regularly reviewing mitigation strategies and looking beyond immediate events are essential to maintaining operational stability and protecting personnel.
Should airspace closures or shelter-in-place directives arise, organizations must be ready to shift immediately to a stay put posture, ensure full personnel accountability and enable teams to remain self-sufficient for 48–72 hours. Having a robust Duty of Care framework, defined evacuation plans and clear communication channels help employees understand available support, reduce uncertainty and strengthen overall organizational resilience.
Current advice
At time of going to press, International SOS is advising organizations to defer travel to and transit through several countries across the Middle East and the Gulf. They should also assess remaining in-country personnel, limit presence to essential purposes only, and ensure shelter‑in‑place measures are ready for situations where movement is not possible.
The operational situation remains highly complex. A large part of the regional airspace remains closed or severely restricted, requiring overland evacuations to countries where air links remain open, such as Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan and Oman. In these particularly constrained conditions, International SOS is organizing and coordinating transport and evacuation operations.
International SOS is closely monitoring the evolving situation. Visit Middle East Crisis: International SOS Travel Risk & Security Update to stay informed about the latest developments.
About the International SOS Group of Companies; 40 years of saving lives
The International SOS Group of Companies is in the business of protecting and saving lives. Wherever you are, we deliver customized security risk management, health and wellbeing solutions to fuel your growth and productivity. In the event of a security incident, epidemic, extreme weather or any other business-disrupting event, we provide an immediate response, giving you and your workforce peace of mind. We uniquely combine industry-leading technology with expertise in security, medical and logistics to deliver prevention programs that offer real-time, actionable insights and on-the-ground support.
Founded in 1985, the International SOS Group has been saving lives for 40 years. Headquartered in London and Singapore, we are trusted by over 9,000 organizations. This includes the majority of the Fortune Global 500, as well as mid-size enterprises, governments, educational institutions, and NGOs. Nearly 13,000 global experts stand with you to provide support and assistance from over 1,200 locations in 90 countries, over 110 languages, 24/7, 365 days a year.
We help protect your people and your organization, as well as support your compliance reporting needs. By partnering with us, your organization can fulfill its Duty of Care responsibilities and fortify its business continuity.
To strengthen your resilience, we are at your fingertips; internationalsos.com.