Special flights announced for Pakistanis stranded in the UAE
Stranded Pakistanis have lauded the development.
Pakistanis stranded in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have been told to register with the Consulate General in Dubai if they want to return to their country. This has been done after the UAE suspended all flight operations as a precautionary measure to stop the spread of COVID-19.
A spokesman of the consulate told news outlets that the diplomatic facility was collecting data of those who were stuck in the country and wanted to travel back.
“This is, of course, subject to the arrangement of special flights from the UAE to Pakistan and availability of seats in them”, he said.
The spokesperson added that passengers will have to buy their own tickets if special flights are arranged. People have been asked to fill out a form, which includes details like passport number, number of travelers, type of visa and destination city, etc.
Consulate General of Pakistan to Dubai Ahmed Amjad Ali has said that the country’s mission is to try and arrange special flights for stranded Pakistanis.
“We are trying to arrange special flights for the stranded people who want to go back to Pakistan. We have also approached the UAE government to look into the exemption of fines for visit visa holders”, Ali said.
Fahad Abro, who has a family of three stuck in Dubai, said that his flight was scheduled for 10th April 2020 but it has now been canceled, and he is looking for a way out.
“I have a flight ticket for April 8 and Emirates Airlines has said that it will start its operations on April 6, but it is not clear if the airlines will fly to Pakistan or not. I am here on a visit visa which ends in a few days, so I welcome this step and have registered myself”, said Mudassar Joya, who was in the UAE with COVID-19 outbreak took place.
Qasim Raja, another Pakistani who was in Dubai on a visit visa that expires on 12th April 2020 said that this is a good decision taken by the consulate.
“Many stranded people are looking forward to such arrangements since they need to fly back home”, he said.
What are your views on this? Share in the comments bar below.
