Multiple nations issue travel warnings to the UK amid ongoing riots

Several countries including Nigeria, Australia, and Indonesia have issued travel advisories to their citizens in light of recent riots in the United Kingdom. The unrest, which has been described as the UK’s most severe social disturbance in years, follows the tragic stabbing deaths of three young girls in Stockport, northwest England. The violence escalated due to misinformation spread by anti-immigrant groups falsely alleging the perpetrator was an immigrant.

Over the weekend, rioters targeted hotels housing asylum seekers and clashed with law enforcement in multiple cities, resulting in numerous arrests. This surge of violence prompted responses from a broad spectrum of nations, notably those with Muslim-majority populations.

The Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs advised its nationals on Monday, cautioning them against the volatile situation. Their statement highlighted the activities of far-right and other extremist groups, noting the increased risk of violence. Nigerian citizens were urged to remain vigilant, especially in crowded areas and during large gatherings.

Echoing Nigeria’s concerns, Kenya’s principal secretary for foreign affairs, Korir Sing’Oei, expressed his apprehensions via the social media platform X, advising Kenyans to exercise caution while in the UK.

CNN correspondent Larry Madowo, based in Nairobi, reported on the heightened sensitivity in African nations to the advisories from the UK, often seen as a reversal of the usual travel warnings issued by Western nations against various African countries.

The first country to react to the unrest was Malaysia, which issued an urgent notice to its citizens in the UK to steer clear of protest areas and remain alert to their surroundings.

Similarly, the Indonesian Embassy in London called on its citizens to heighten their vigilance and avoid locations likely to host large gatherings or demonstrations.

This series of international reactions underscores the global concern over the safety of travelers and expatriates in the UK amidst the ongoing turmoil. The situation remains fluid, and all travelers to the region are advised to stay updated through their respective diplomatic channels.

The article Multiple nations issue travel warnings to the UK amid ongoing riots first appeared in TravelDailyNews International.