Pakistani authorities offload 70 UAE-bound passengers due to non-fulfilment of rapid PCR test
A general view of the Jinnah International Airport Karachi.
Gulf Today Report
Pakistani airport authorities have confirmed a change in policy for Pakistani passengers travelling to the UAE.The Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority said on Twitter, “This is to inform the general public at large that the UAE Authority have implemented new stringent measures for passengers travelling to Dubai from a list of states including Pakistan & as a result of the said policies, airline operators have had to offload passengers scheduled to travel from PAK to DXB.”
“UAE Authority have mandated that for DXB terminating passengers from PAK, a negative PCR test result conducted within 48 hours prior to commencement of travel to DXB along with negative Rapid PCR Testing conducted within 04 hours (or as determined by UAE NCEMA) prior to departure of flight for DXB is mandatory.”
A source associated with the incident at Karachi Airport said that on Monday at least 70 passengers were denied boarding on a flight to the UAE due to the latest rule and non-fulfilment of rapid PCR test policy.
The CAA on Sunday announced that it will provide space to UAE-approved medical laboratories to establish their counters at all major airports to conduct rapid PCR tests for coronavirus.
In a statement, CAA Director General Khaqan Murtaza said all Pakistani laboratories accredited by the UAE authorities and its airlines will establish their counters at all international airports to facilitate the UAE-bound passengers.
He added that the decision has been taken in view of difficulties being faced by UAE-bound travellers.
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The UAE's National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority (NCEMA) had lifted a ban on transit passenger traffic from Pakistan and other countries on Aug.5.
UAE government has said that residents and travellers with valid Dubai visas must seek approval from General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs through https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae/Smart_OTCServicesPortal/ReturnPermitService.aspx
Residents who have visas from other emirates must seek approval from the Federal authority for Identity & Citizenship ( ICA) through https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/guest/index.html#/registerArrivals
Passengers arriving without approval will not be permitted to arrive at country’s airports.
The UAE authorities have issued a list of requirements for passengers.
The authorities said holders of valid residency who received full vaccination in the UAE and 14 days have passed since receiving the second dose and carrying vaccination certificates approved by the official authorities in the country will be allowed to enter from those countries.
All of these categories are required to submit a request on the website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship to obtain the necessary approval. Vaccination certificates approved by authorities in the country should be attached.
A quick PCR test before boarding the plane will apply, in addition to applying the precautionary and preventive measures upon arrival, including quarantine and a PCR test.
Transit passengers from all countries from which transit passengers were previously suspended will be allowed to resume their travel, provided the traveller’s last destination accepts entry with a negative PCR test within 72 hours of the time of departure.
The country’s airports have allocated special lounges for transit passengers while taking all precautionary and preventive measures.
