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The Kazakh government has spent approximately $4 million on the evacuation of its citizens from the Middle East, according to Transport Minister Nurlan Sauranbayev. The operation, which involved complex logistical challenges, ensured the safe return of thousands of Kazakh nationals.

Evacuation Costs and Scope

During a government briefing, Minister Sauranbayev addressed inquiries regarding the expenses incurred during the evacuation. He confirmed that the government and the airline fulfilled their obligations to bring citizens home.

Initially, the evacuation was planned for around 4,000 individuals. However, as the operation unfolded, it became clear that the number of Kazakh citizens requiring assistance exceeded 10,000. The total expenditure for these repatriation efforts amounted to approximately $4 million.

Shared Responsibility and Logistics

Sauranbayev explained that a portion of the airline's costs was covered by the state. Additionally, some passengers had already purchased their tickets, meaning the services were partially funded by the citizens themselves.

The minister elaborated that the state reimbursed the airline for its expenses, which also included insurance risks. The operation also involved transporting citizens from locations like Dubai and other nearby countries where the situation was more stable. In total, the estimated cost for these measures reached around $4 million.

Background of the Evacuation

Previously, reports indicated that over 4,000 Kazakhs were stranded due to the escalating situation in the Middle East, affecting tourists in the UAE, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.

The Civil Aviation Committee later reported that from March 3rd, 12 flights were operated from Middle Eastern countries to Kazakhstan, bringing back 2,111 passengers. Including planned flights, authorities anticipated the return of approximately 4,000 citizens.

By March 14th, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the completion of the evacuation of Kazakh citizens from the Middle East. According to the ministry, a total of 10,275 Kazakh citizens returned home, utilizing both air and land routes for their repatriation.

This information was reported by the Infohub.kz news agency.