386 Pakistanis stranded at Dubai Airport fly back home
- Last updated: October 15, 2020 | 21:25
Jamil Khan, Senior Reporter
Even as a new travel advisory was issued for passengers travelling to the UAE on visit visas, another 200 passengers were stranded at Dubai Airport – the total number of Pakistanis denied entry so far reached 561. However, 386 passengers were sent back on Thursday.
Out of the 561 in total, the Pakistan Consulate in Dubai and Northern Emirates has arranged for the entry of 23 passengers into the UAE. "The remaining passengers who were unable to produce the documents according to the new travel advisory have been sent back. However, 152 are still at the airport whose repatriation is being arranged on various flights by tonight,” said the press counsellor at the consulate.
On Thursday, the officials issued updates on the Pakistani passengers stuck at the two terminals of Dubai International Airport. Necessary food is being provided to all stranded passengers by the consulate officials. Ahmed Amjad Ali, Consul General of Pakistan in Dubai, also visited the passengers and assured them of full support.
The officials added that the Consul General had meetings with UAE Foreign Office and DG Immigration to resolve the issues amicably.
The passengers were flown by four flights from different Pakistan airports on PIA, Flydubai, AirBlue and Emirates flights.
The consulate has asked all passengers wishing to travel on visit visas to the UAE to fulfil all the requirements issued by the local authorities and avoid any inconvenience. The requirements include a return ticket, minimum funds of Dhs2000, booking of hotel stay or proof of staying with resident families or friends.
It is also mentioned that many passengers seeking jobs were on board without return tickets. Some did not have hotel accommodation proof, whereas many are planning to stay with their family or friends.