Goan priest assures that Goans residing in Gulf region are safe

DOHA/KUWAIT

Goan expatriates living in Qatar and other Gulf nations are safe despite continued Iranian missile and drone strikes in the region, according to community representatives closely monitoring the evolving situation.

Qatari authorities confirmed that, on the second day of hostilities, air defence systems detected 65 ballistic missiles and 12 drones launched from Iran. Of these, 63 missiles and 11 drones were successfully intercepted. Two ballistic missiles reportedly reached the vicinity of Al Udeid Air Base, while one drone struck an early warning radar system.

Although debris from intercepted missiles and drones was found in several locations, there have been no reported fatalities so far. However, official sources indicated that 16 people sustained injuries over the two days of sustained attacks, with one person in critical condition. Most injuries were attributed to falling missile shrapnel. Following the morning attacks on Monday, no further strikes were reported in Qatar.

Amid rising concern among families back home, Fr Nelson Lobo, a Goan priest based at the Holy Family Co-Cathedral in Kuwait City, has reassured the community that there is no cause for panic. Fr Lobo, who has been serving as Director of Catechism, Faith Formation, and Bible Studies for the Apostolic Vicariate of Northern Arabia since 2023, addressed the diaspora through his popular Konkani YouTube channel, “Goemkar Guru.”

“We are in touch with friends and associations in Qatar and other Gulf nations. Everyone is safe and there is no immediate threat to the Goan community,” Fr Lobo said in his video message.

He affirmed that Goans residing in Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain — countries with which he maintains close connections — are safe and continuing their daily routines without disruption. He further noted that Goans in other parts of the Gulf region remain secure.

The recent strikes have heightened tensions across parts of the Middle East, triggering anxiety among expatriate families in India. However, community leaders have emphasised that host nations have implemented robust security measures and that life in major cities remains largely normal.

Goan associations across the Gulf are coordinating efforts to keep members informed, urging calm and advising reliance on official updates issued by local authorities.

With thousands of Goans employed in sectors such as hospitality, healthcare, engineering and finance across Qatar and neighbouring countries, community representatives have reiterated that the situation remains stable and under control.