More than 500 Indian expats are stuck in the UAE, as Saudi and Kuwait close borders in fear of the new Covid-19 strain. The expats took the route via UAE, since there were no direct flights from their home countries. They were stuck in the UAE, with nowhere to go after a 14-day mandatory quarantine in hotels. According to the office bearers of the association offering help, most of the expats stuck in the UAE are bound for Saudi Arabia. The new Covid-19 strain that’s spreading through Europe.
Also read: Dubai Rolls Out Pfizer Vaccine, Launches Free Vaccine Drive For Its Citizens
Free Shelter, Accommodation Provided For Expats Stuck In UAE
Kerala Muslim Cultural Centre (KMCC), UAE, has helped more than 200 passengers in Ajman with free shelter. In addition, 300 expats were provided accommodation by Markaz Dubai. This brings the overall number of Indians in distress to around 500. The operation is coordinated by KMCC and those who wish to seek help must send proof of Saudi and Kuwait visas and/or their booked air tickets.
Majority of passengers are from the south Indian state of Kerala, but there are some from other northern and southern states as well.
Oman Shuts Borders After Saudi & Kuwait
After Saudi Arabia, Oman has now announced to close its border, from 22 December. The Sultanate is restricting travel in and out of the country for a week to limit the spread of the fast-spreading Covid-19 mutant strain.
Oman which had opened borders for over 100 countries recently, has now made this decision to limit the spread of the new strain detected in the UK. On this, the state news agency said,
“This was taken after the emergence of a new strain of the Covid-19 virus and to protect community members from the severity of the infection and to contain its spreading.”
Also read: New Zealand To Give Free COVID-19 Vaccines To Its Citizens & Close-By Nations
While the borders closed from 22 December, international flights also stand cancelled. Entry into the country through its land and seaports won’t be allowed either. The measures taking place from December 22, will last a week. For the exclusions, cargo planes, ships and lorries will be excluded from this. The committee will continue to monitor the situation of the new strain and take suitable decisions accordingly, the agency said. Oman To Reopen Borders On December 29 As Vaccinations In The Country Begin.