UAE’s mammoth repatriation mission has helped more than 320,000 people to return to their homelands
More than 320,000 people stranded by the Covid-19 pandemic have returned to their home countries on flights launched from the UAE, authorities said yesterday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation (MoFAIC) said it had worked closely with foreign ambassadors and consulates to arrange more than 1,300 repatriation flights since the outbreak began.
The missions helped thousands of tourists and visitors who became stranded in the Emirates when strict restrictions were placed on air travel in March. Many UAE residents who were hit financially by the public health emergency – suffering either job losses or pay cuts – were also able to secure flights to their home countries through the wide-ranging operation.
More than a quarter of those who have returned home with government help are from India. The country’s citizens comprise the biggest expatriate population in the Emirates.
At least 450,000 Indians have registered with the Indian embassy in Abu Dhabi and its consulate in Dubai.
As of last month, about 90,000 had returned home.
Officials confirmed more than 40,000 UAE residents stranded abroad due to the suspension of air travel have been granted permission to return to the Emirates so far.
In June, UAE officials stepped up efforts to bring back 200,000 residents stuck abroad due to the pandemic.
All returning residents, except those from Dubai, have to be tested in the country from which they plan to return before boarding a flight to the UAE.
On returning to the UAE, travellers must take another coronavirus test and isolate themselves for two weeks.
Holders of Dubai residence visas who wish to fly back to the emirate must first gain approval to return from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
Anyone who does not obey the quarantine will face legal action.
Khaled Abdullah Belhoul, undersecretary of MoFAIC, revealed 4,043 Emiratis and their companions had been brought back to the Emirates on 166 air and ground repatriations from 61 countries. He highlighted the importance of the partnership between ministry officials and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority in ensuring the safe return of Emiratis during the international health crisis. The Emirates has taken on a leading role in the global fight to contain the virus and has provided essential medical aid to more than 70 countries in recent months.
It has delivered more than 1,000 tonnes of healthcare supplies, providing vital equipment to more than one million medical professionals around the world.
At least 450,000 Indian citizens have registered with the country’s UAE embassy and consulate for assistance