Jamaica’s foreign ministry recommends Jamaicans to leave Russia

Kingston, Jamaica: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has recommended that Jamaicans residing in Russia leave the country until the situation in the nation witnessed any change.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade is strongly recommending that Jamaicans located in Russia leave that country, as the situation is becoming increasingly difficult as a consequence of various sanctions imposed in response to the military actions in Ukraine,” Prime Minister Jamaica House stated.

According to the press release by the government of Jamaica, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade is strongly recommending that Jamaicans located in Russia leave that country, as the situation is becoming increasingly difficult as a consequence of various sanctions imposed in response to its military actions in Ukraine”.

According to Kamina Johnson Smith, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, “Flights to and from Russia have already been restricted as several countries close airspace to Russian flights. Visa and MasterCard have suspended all transactions with Russia, and international financial transfers to and from Russia have also been suspended.”

She further mentioned, “This should all be seen as a clear indication of the worsening situation in Russia, and we, therefore, advise Jamaicans there to leave as soon as practicable.”

The Foreign Affairs Minister further notified, “The Ministry is aware that several countries including France, the United States and the United Kingdom have recommended their citizens to leave Russia.”

The Minister further advised stated that the Ministry has been in contact with eighteen students in Russia, and so far, three (3) of them are making plans to leave in the upcoming days. “I am hopeful that the rest of our students will make the right decision to leave,” he further outlined.

According to the Press Release, “In a new development, the Foreign Ministry is also now aware of four (4) Jamaican medical students in Tbilisi, Georgia. Contact has been made with them, and we are also asking these nationals to consider their options, including to find safe countries in which to seek shelter, until the situation in the Eastern European region becomes clearer.”

She further reminded, “Our Consul in Moscow, the Embassy of Jamaica in Berlin and our Consular Affairs Department will remain available to engage with Jamaicans, and they may be contacted at Schmargendorfer Strasse 32, 12159 Berlin”.