The medical and security emergency firm International SOS and Control Risks is supporting thousands of travellers in Ukraine, the firms said on March 5.
An Incident Management Team made up of the two companies is working in Ukraine, to support clients with personnel in the country. The potential number of travellers and expatriates the consultancies are supporting totals around 9,000. Expatriates make up around 20pc of that total. Some clients report that local personnel have received a call up for reserve military duty.
A Client Liaison Group has been set up to contact organisations with operations in Ukraine, to discuss their travel security plans and any concerns. An Incident Management Team in Kiev is providing reports, and observing developments.
Damian Taylor, Regional Security Director for Europe at International SOS and Control Risks said: “Events in Ukraine have been unfolding at a rapid pace for some time now. Organisations need to find out what impacts they may see on their travellers’ safety and on business continuity. They are asking if it is still safe to go and whether non-essential staff should remain in the country. We are working round the clock to provide them with up-to-date advice and potentially assistance as the crisis continues”.
Current travel security advice includes:
– Defer travel to Crimea
– Travel elsewhere in Ukraine is possible with comprehensive contingency planning
– Have plans in place that enable you to leave the country at short notice
– Maintain flexible return tickets and be prepared to postpone travel or depart at short notice
– Avoid any likely locations for demonstrations, such as government and military buildings
– Choose accommodation away from likely flashpoint areas
– Carry travel documentation with you at all times
More details in the members sections of www.internationalsos.com or www.controlrisks.com.
Meanwhile the British Embassy in teh capital of Ukraine, Kyiv has invited British nationals to a consular briefing on the political and security situation, on March 7.
On March 4 the Foreign Secretary William Hague said: “Our objectives are first, to avoid any further military escalation, and instead to see Russia return its forces to their bases and respect Ukrainian sovereignty; second for any concerns about Russian-speaking minorities in Ukraine to be addressed by means of negotiations, not force; and third for the international community to provide Ukraine, provided they are ready to carry out vital reforms, with urgent economic assistance.”
