Release of Australian hostage in Yemen

I confirm that an Australian kidnapped in Yemen in October last year has been released and is safe and well.

The release follows months of patient work by the Australian Government. I deeply appreciate the efforts of officials from across government – who continue to provide the family assistance – and of many other parties in Australia and overseas. I particularly thank His Majesty Sultan Qaboos bin Said Al-Said, the Sultan of Oman, for Oman's work to locate and receive the Australian national into Oman.

The Government will not be making any further comment on this case in order to protect other Australians who remain captive overseas or face the risk of kidnapping. The family has asked for privacy, and I ask others to respect their wishes.

The Government strongly discourages Australians from travelling to Yemen owing to the high risk of violence, including kidnapping.