The Foreign Affairs Ministry is appealing to persons on the island to refrain from calling the consular number for test purposes, as it was established for Jamaicans facing crises abroad.

Portfolio Minister Kamina Johnson Smith made the call at Jamaica House yesterday, as she addressed concerns about the conflict in the Middle East.

As of Wednesday morning, at least 178 Jamaican nationals made contact with the authorities amidst the war.

Johnson Smith said the consular number is constantly monitored, and call-backs are made.