Extension of curbs in capital catches residents unawares
MANY, INCLUDING DOCTORS, FACE PROBLEMS OBTAINING MOVEMENT PERMITS
The extension of movement restrictions in Abu Dhabi is prompting many of the emirate’s residents to change their working arrangements, Gulf News has learnt.
The restrictions, which first came into force for a week last Tuesday, were on Monday extended for an additional week.
Those who need to leave or enter Abu Dhabi urgently can apply for a movement permit. However, a number of people claimed that their applications were rejected several times.
Application for permit rejected twice, doctor says
Dr Rajkumar Ramaswamy, an anaesthetist at Al Zahra Hospital in Sharjah, who is currently deployed at a hospital in Al Ain, claimed that his application for a movement permit was rejected twice.
“When the restrictions were first implemented, I assumed I would not be able to visit my family in Sharjah for a while,” Dr Ramaswamy said. “Then I heard from a colleague that she was still allowed to commute from Dubai every day, so I decided to come home to Sharjah for the weekend. However, when I tried to get back, I was stopped at Al Ain’s Al Foah border.”
He hopes to return as the Al Ain facility is stretched thin because of the influx of Covid-19 patients. “I went to the checkpoint twice, but I was not allowed to enter Al Ain,” he said.
Another doctor, who lives in Dubai, said that she has not been able to get to her workplace in Al Ain although she was allowed in when the restrictions first came into force.
‘I applied for a permit seven times, but it was rejected’
Julia Jones, an American teacher, said she has been stranded in Dubai for a week and is desperate to return home.
“I came to Dubai for a visit, and only learnt about the movement restrictions the day they were implemented. I wasn’t worried for a week because I had enough medicines to last me. But now that the restrictions have been extended, I don’t know what to do,” Jones said.
She claimed that she has been stopped at a border checkpoint thrice. “I have applied for a movement permit seven times, but they have all been rejected. I am working from my hotel room for the moment, but I really do need to get back home before the school term ends,” she said.
‘I thought a letter from my company would suffice’
F.T., a 40-year-old Bangladeshi admin officer employed at an oil and gas firm in Dubai, normally commutes from Abu Dhabi City daily. She attempted to drive to Dubai on the first day of the restrictions, but was not allowed to cross the police checkpoint as she not have a movement permit.
“I thought a letter from my company would suffice. However, the police did not let me through, so I arranged with my managers to complete tasks from home. Now that this will continue for some more time, I will cherish the opportunity to work while being surrounded by my husband and children.”
She added: “I have been working from home since last Tuesday. This announcement means that I have to continue for seven more days. ”
Increased screenings
Residents in high-density areas have reported being screened over the last week.
A worker, who lives in a shared apartment in downtown Abu Dhabi, said all the tenants were tested. “One night, the authorities arrived and took us all to Al Mena screening centre. I was happy to learn, within 24 hours, that I tested negative,” he said.