Covid cases in India, are at its highest ever, and several countries across the globe have closed borders for tourists from India. Initially, the UAE banned flights from India for 10 days- starting 24 April to 4 May 2021. However, the ban has now been extended until 14 June.
Stranded expats are fretting as they are running out of options to get back to the UAE. Earlier, travel agents launched packages to Armenia, where passengers from India could quarantine before flying back home to the UAE. However, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia has now refused to let in flights from India, in order to curb the spread of Covid-19. With this, stranded expats are left with no options to return to the UAE.
Curly Tales Dubai spoke to expats stranded in various parts of India to find out how they are coping with the situation and the options they are considering to get back to the UAE. Here’s what they had to say:
Also read: Charter Flights From India To Dubai: Rules, Cost, Test Requirements & Everything You Must Know
1. Ekta Narula Chandra, Home Maker
I came to India on 10 April along with my daughter on a family emergency. I was suppose to fly back on 8 May, but flights were banned. Now I am stuck here while my husband is in the UAE. Charter flight is not an option for a middle class person like me. It’s tough both financially and emotionally . My daughter is in grade 10 and will be giving her boards in 2022 but as we are stuck here she is losing a lot on her studies. I got both my doses of vaccination in Dubai. My daughter is yet to get vaccinated as she is 14 and no vaccination was introduced for kids when we travelled .
2. Omeir Afghen, Business Man
I came to Lucknow on 16 April as my father was admitted in hospital for covid treatment. My wife is alone in Dubai and has been struggling with her daily chores. The only option to return to UAE is via normal flight as it is almost impossible to afford a charter flight.
3. Fouad Ashraf , Head of Sales & Marketing
I came to India on 27 March because my father was diagnosed with cancer. He passed away on 15 April. I have been in Kochi, Kerala, since 27 March and was suppose to fly back on 30 April. My wife and daughter are with me and I’m not really in favor of flying via other destinations because of the risks involved. My family also prefers us to fly back directly to Dubai. Charter flights are not an option because of the high cost involved for three persons. The prices are still alright if it was just for one person.
4. Shivani Survana, Project Coordinator
I came to Mumbai, on 15 April 2021 due to family emergency. I am work visa holder of UAE working as Project coordinator. I was suppose to fly back on 8 may 2021. But I could not travel after flights were cancelled. I will have to go back as soon as possible otherwise I’m scare I might loose my job.
5.Chinmaya Relan,
My name is Chinmaya Relan and I had come to India to oversee my wife’s surgery. But, we are stuck now due to flight ban. I am currently in Faridabad in Delhi NCR. Returning through charter flights is not feasible at all considering the expenses involved. Charter flights can be an option only for a handful of people who can afford. For majority of us, normal flights is the only option.
Also read: India Bans International Flights Until 31 May; Permits Flights Operating Under Bilateral Air Bubble
Stranded Expats Use #IndiatoUAE To Plead To UAE Authorities
Stranded expats are desperate to head back to the UAE, pleading authorities to open doors to their second home. Expats in India are now using the hashtag #IndiatoUAE to express their plight over the India-UAE travel ban. A few expats took to Twitter and pleaded the UAE to permit at least vaccinated expats to enter the country.
Also read: UAE Ranked The 18th Best Country For Expats To Live And Work; Taiwan Tops The List
Atleast allow vaccinated residents to enter UAE with safety protocols
— Mohit Mehra (@mohitmehra25) May 19, 2021
#IndiatoUAE Request UAE govt to help indians who are stranded in India due to current travel ban to return back to UAE
— Chandan Rateria (@my_self_chandan) May 19, 2021
Thousands of expats who had been to their home country are stranded, unable to return to their second home. The ban has severely impacted stranded expats emotionally and financially. As per the rule, the GCAA affirmed that UAE nationals, diplomatic passport holders, official delegations, business flights, and golden residence holders can travel back to the UAE. However, in the event of them travelling, all passengers must follow a 10-day quarantine, undergo a PCR test at the airport as well as another test on the fourth and eighth days of entering the country. The test results will only be accepted from authorised labs which generate a QR code.
First Published: May 24, 2021 8:30 AM