Western expats in Bahrain have been urged to leave following the civil conflict that has occurred.
Both the United Kingdom and the United States have become aware of the threat that their citizens in Bahrain may encounter. The US has now advised all American expats in the country to travel home, and the UK has told people not to go to Bahrain. Officially cited as a “breakdown in law and order,” civil protests and demonstrations are at the root of the violence that is currently plaguing the region.
Because of the problems Bahrain has declared a state of emergency for at least three months. Soldiers from Saudi Arabia have now entered Bahrain in an effort to reduce the mounting unrest.
The US released a warning saying: “Demonstrations have degenerated into violent clashes between police and protesters on several occasions, resulting in injuries. There also have been multiple reports of sectarian groups patrolling areas throughout Bahrain and establishing unofficial vehicle checkpoints.”
Despite these warnings expats are not thought to be in any direct danger, in fact some expats are reported to be thinking of using the situation to gain higher salaries. An unnamed banker said: “There is nothing wrong in demanding a premium from a country with protests and uncertainty.”