Budapest Post

Cum Deo pro Patria et Libertate
Budapest, Europe and world news

‘Betrayed’: Sudanese NHS doctor turned away from UK rescue flight

‘Betrayed’: Sudanese NHS doctor turned away from UK rescue flight

A Sudanese doctor trapped in Sudan who works for the UK’s National Health Service has said he feels “betrayed” after being denied a spot on an evacuation flight back to Britain, the BBC reported.
Dr. Abdulrahman Babiker, who worked for the NHS throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, is due to return to Manchester Royal Infirmary next week.

But after traveling to Sudan during Ramadan to celebrate Eid with family, Babiker is now trapped in the country following the outbreak of violence between the government and Rapid Support Forces paramilitary.

Britain has already completed eight evacuation flights from Sudan, but Babiker was turned away from the flight at Wadi Seidna air base north of the capital because he lacks a UK passport, although he does possess proof of the right to work.

The BBC reported that at least 24 other NHS doctors are in the same position as Babiker.

He said: “To be honest, I feel totally betrayed. I worked throughout COVID-19 and I’m so disappointed.

“I had spoken to my MP and had emails advising me to go to the air base.”

After arriving at Wadi Seidna, Babiker was denied entry to the aircraft and told: “We are really sorry, this is the guidance from the Home Office.”

The UK Foreign Office has said it is prioritizing British nationals as part of rescue efforts, advising others to make their own journeys back to Britain, including through the Egyptian border.

Babiker said: “I’d be more than happy to wait for other people to be airlifted before me, but to not have any chance to be rescued in this very risky situation is ... I’m really feeling disappointed.”

The UK has already airlifted 897 people out of Sudan, but thousands of other British nationals are thought to be still in the country, including many with family ties.

Babiker added: “I think this will have an impact on international medical graduates wanting to join the NHS.

“They make up about 40 percent of the workforce and it will make other nationalities think twice about whether they want to work for the NHS.”

Dr. Nadia Baasher, of the Sudanese Junior Doctor’s Association, told the BBC that many of her compatriots trapped in Sudan had traveled to the country for Eid.

“People are heartbroken by the whole situation. It’s not safe. This is is very disappointing to see that they weren’t treated with some consideration.”

UK military authorities have said that up to 500 people per day could be airlifted to Cyprus from Wadi Seidna air base.

Foreign Secretary James Cleverly said on April 27: “I urge all British nationals wishing to leave to proceed to the airport as quickly as possible to ensure their safety.”
AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
Newsletter

Related Articles

0:00
0:00
Close
Russian Teacher Under Investigation After Explicit Content Incident in Classroom
Poland Plans Comprehensive Military Training for All Adult Males Amid Enhanced Defense Initiatives
Lithuania Withdraws from Cluster Munitions Convention Amid Security Concerns
Trump Discovers It Simpler to Negotiate with Russia Compared to Ukraine During Ongoing Conflict
Macron Cautions Against Growing Russian Aggression as U.S. Support for Ukraine Changes
EU Member States Endorse Gradual Rollout of Entry/Exit System
President Trump Indicates Willingness to Reestablish Relations with Ukraine in Light of Recent Tensions
Europe Investigates the Use of Frozen Russian Assets to Aid Ukraine
Macron Calls on Europe to Bolster Defense in Light of Russian Threats and Possible U.S. Withdrawal
Germany Supports Looser EU Fiscal Policies to Boost Defense Expenditures
Pope Francis's Health Update: Vatican Reports Stable Condition
MPs from Various Parties Express Worry About Proposed Reductions to the UK Aid Budget
U.S. Creates Strategic Cryptocurrency Reserve, Leading to Market Upsurge
Zelenskyy Convenes with UK Prime Minister Starmer in Light of Strains with the US
Here, unelected President Zelensky meets with two top American democratically elected officials who are neither stupid, nor bribed, nor blind
Pope Francis Admitted to Hospital for Pneumonia Faces Breathing Emergency
Andrew and Tristan Tate Leave Romania During Ongoing Legal Matters
Katy Perry to Participate in All-Female Space Mission with Blue Origin
US President Asserts NATO Membership for Ukraine Is Off the Table
Bosnian Serb Leader Sentenced to One Year in Jail for Defying International Envoy
Apple Resolves iPhone Dictation Bug That Linked 'Racist' to 'Trump'
Trump Confirms Zelensky’s Visit Amid U.S.-Ukraine Mineral Deal Talks
Proposal Introduced for $250 Bill Featuring Donald Trump
Trump Announces 25% Tariffs on European Imports, Citing Unfair Trade Practices
Germany's Election Outcomes: Migrants Confront Insecurity as Far-Right Support Grows
Macron Stresses Ukraine's Independence During US-Russia Peace Discussions
Putin Describes Zelensky as a 'Toxic Figure' in Ukraine's Political Landscape
The US aligns with Russia in opposing a UN resolution that condemns the invasion of Ukraine.
Unelected President Zelenskiy suggests he would resign solely in the event of the improbable: Ukraine's accession to NATO.
German Election Polls Indicate Change as Conservatives Take the Lead and Far Right Increases Support
The Enigma of QR Codes on Gravestones in Munich Unraveled
Research Explores Possible Connection Between COVID-19 Vaccines and Post-Vaccination Syndrome
German Conservatives Achieve Electoral Success in the Wake of Significant Advances by the Far-Right AfD
German Chancellor Concedes Party Loss in National Elections
Trump Commends German Election Results as a 'Wonderful Day for Germany'
German Political Figures Respond to Election Outcomes
Initial Exit Polls Show Conservatives in the Lead in German Elections
Ukrainian President Zelensky Shows Reluctance Regarding US Minerals Deal
Germany Gears Up for Crucial Election Amidst Political Uncertainty
Vatican Declares Pope Francis' Health Status as 'Critical'
U.S. and Hungarian Officials Talk About Economic Collaboration and Sanctions Strategy
Technology Giants Activate Lobbying Campaigns Against Strict EU Regulations
Pope Francis Admitted to Hospital in Rome Amid Increasing Speculation on Succession
Zelensky Calls on World Leaders to Back Peace as Tensions Rise with Trump
UK Leader Keir Starmer Calls for US Security Guarantee in Ukraine Peace Deal
NATO Chief Urges Higher Defense Expenditure in Europe
The negotiation teams of Trump and Putin meet directly, establishing the groundwork for a significant advancement.
Rubio Touches Down in Riyadh Before Key U.S.-Russia Discussions
Students in Serbian universities Unite to Hold Coordinated Protests for Accountability.
US State Department Removes Taiwan Independence Statement from Website
×