More than 70 Taiwan residents who previously had been stranded in the Middle East due to military conflicts arrived at Shanghai's Pudong International Airport early Tuesday morning to transfer before going back to Taipei.
The group of Taiwan residents were earlier stranded in the Middle East after their planned transfer flight in Abu Dhabi was canceled amid the escalation of tensions.
The relevant mainland authorities assisted them in taking a flight from Istanbul to Shanghai for the transfer.
"It was a smooth trip due to everyone's effort. Thanks! Thanks a lot! I want to express my gratitude to our motherland," said one Taiwan resident.
"I'm very grateful. I almost couldn't come back. It was about five days (being stranded)," said another Taiwan resident.
"The embassy was very warmhearted and helped our tourist groups to contact the airlines and the border inspection authorities here to make the fastest and smoothest arrangements, which have enabled us to return safely," said a Taiwan tour guide named Li Zhengde.
They were scheduled to make transfers at the Shanghai Pudong International Airport at 09:15 and 12:05 Tuesday to return to Taipei.
"The immigration inspection authorities precisely communicated with the airlines in advance to track the flight and verify the information of each passenger on board. Meanwhile, we have strengthened on-site guidance and police support to facilitate their transfer and make sure that these Taiwan compatriots earlier stranded overseas can return home as soon as possible," said Zheng Jianqiao, an immigration inspection official at the Pudong airport.
Taiwan residents previously stranded in Middle East arrive in Shanghai
