Telangana to issue passports within hours for families needing to travel after Saudi incident
Hyderabad: The Telangana government has announced a set of emergency measures to assist the families of victims of the recent incident in Saudi Arabia. The state administration stated that it would fast-track the issuing of passports for family members who may need to travel abroad, completing the process within a few hours if required.
According to a report by The Hindu, this assurance was given by TMREIS Chairman Faheem Qureshi, who said the government was treating the matter with utmost seriousness and was “deeply pained” by the developments.
Qureshi explained that the government recognised the urgency faced by families who might need to travel immediately for procedures related to identification, legal formalities, or coordination with local authorities abroad. Under normal circumstances, passport issuance typically involves multi-stage verification, documentation checks and police processes that can take several days. The government’s commitment to complete the process within hours, if necessary, reflects an attempt to remove bureaucratic delays in situations involving distress or international emergencies. According to The Hindu, this rapid facilitation will be handled through coordination between state authorities and the Regional Passport Office to ensure that any required travel documents are processed without delay.
In addition to passport assistance, the Telangana government has said it will help families secure visas for travel to Saudi Arabia. Visa procedures are governed by the host country, but state governments in India commonly assist by providing documentation support, communication links, and liaison services to help families navigate the process. Qureshi said that officials were actively working to ensure that the necessary paperwork and endorsements were arranged quickly for those who needed to travel.
To manage communication and provide continuous support, a dedicated control room is being established. According to Qureshi, this control room will serve as a central point for families to receive verified updates, submit requests for assistance and coordinate with departments handling passport, visa and travel arrangements. Such control rooms are typically used by governments during overseas emergencies to prevent misinformation and to ensure that families are not forced to rely on unverified sources while dealing with sensitive matters.
Qureshi also confirmed that a delegation from the Telangana government would travel to Saudi Arabia. The delegation’s purpose, as reported by The Hindu, is to work on the ground with officials there, assist in formal procedures, gather accurate information and ensure that the families of victims receive the support they need. Such delegations generally liaise with consular authorities, local administrations and agencies handling repatriation or emergency coordination.
The Telangana government has emphasised that these measures are part of a larger effort to extend direct support to families during a period of grief and uncertainty.