Saudi Arabia is to open on Thursday three border crossings to Saudi Arabia to ensure a safe exit for Egyptian expats, a statement by Egypt's foreign ministry read.

Between 6,000 to 7,000 Egyptian expats are working and living in Yemen, according to the ministry of manpowerand immigration.

Houthi fighters have taken over several cities in Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, a development which prompted Saudi Arabia and regional allies to carry out airstrikes against them to halt their advance.

The three crossings are "Al-Tawal", "Al-Wadia" and "Al-Khadraa" between Yemen and Saudi Arabia.

The Egyptian foreign ministry is calling expats wishing to return home to immediately be directed to "Al-Tawal" border crossing.

The three newly opened borders will be in addition to the crossings opened between Yemen and Oman to help expats flee Yemen.

Exit plansfor Egyptian expats in Yemen put forth by Egypt's foreign ministry started being implemented on Wednesday.

Reports said on Monday that Egyptian warships hadshelled a column of Houthi fighters and troops loyal to former president Ali Abdullah Saleh as they tried to advance on the southern port city of Aden.

Egypt revealed last week that its navy and air forces were participating in the military operation in Yemen.



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