NEW DELHI, April 24 (Xinhua) -- India foreign ministry Wednesday said it has appointed 17 coordinators to help Indians leave Libya.
"We have appointed 17 coordinators to help Indians leaving Libya," Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj wrote on twitter. "Indian Embassy is helping them with Exit Visa even in cases where their visa has expired. Presently, the airport is operational. Please avail of this opportunity."
Last week the minister asked Indians in and around Libya's Tripoli to leave the country immediately as government of India would later be unable to evacuate them.
Swaraj said despite massive evacuation from Libya and the travel ban, there were over 500 Indian nationals in Tripoli.
Heavy fighting has erupted south of Tripoli after Libya's UN-backed government announced a counter-offensive against insurgent forces.
Libya has been torn by violence and political instability since long-time ruler Muammar Gaddafi was deposed and killed in 2011.
