The United Arab Emirates (UAE) took an important decision on Monday. The UAE Civil Aviation Authority prohibited entry to non-UAE resident travellers from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and Sri Lanka starting on Wednesday to try to contain the spread of COVID-19. Meanwhile, India is currently facing a second wave of infection with over 3 lakh cases reported every day. However, India is not included in this list. This travel ban will come into effect from May 12.
The UAE Administration had indicated earlier this month that it could take some strict steps to prevent infection in the country. About 6 months ago the UAE started canceling work visas and permits of Pakistani citizens. Since then, no new work visas have been issued. Now a travel ban has also been imposed.
In Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka, the rate of infection is increasing rapidly. Most of the laborers from Pakistan and Bangladesh come here. The Government of Pakistan itself believes that there is an increasing crowd in the markets before Eid and people are not following the covid-19 guidelines.
At present, the travel ban has been imposed unilaterally, which means people from these countries will be able to go back to their country from UAE. But, strict rules have also been set for this. UAE diplomatic missions, citizens and business jets present in these countries will be able to come to UAE. These people will also have to submit an RT-PCR test report before the journey and it should not be more than 48 hours old. After returning to the country, they will have to complete a 10-day mandatory quarantine period.
