The countries relaxed the travel norms in phases that have raised hope among the expatriates from many countries to travel to the Gulf countries and resume their jobs or join their families
With the loosening of entry restrictions by Gulf countries, it is easy now for the expatriates to come back to Saudi Arab, Oman, Qatar, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The travel curbs were imposed due to Covid-19 conditions.
These countries relaxed the travel norms in phases that have raised hope among the expatriates from many countries including India to travel to the Gulf countries and resume their jobs or join their families.
The latest to relax travel restrictions is Saudi Arab, which on Tuesday (August 24, 2021) evening decided to allow fully-vaccinated Indian nationals to return without quarantining in a third country based on certain conditions.
Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia said in a tweet that those who received both doses of the Covid-19 vaccine would be allowed to return without the need for quarantine in a third country. The tweet, however, hinted at further details coming from the Saudi authorities.
Oman on Monday (August 23, 2021) announced ease in travel restrictions which were in force since March-April this year. The lift in ban on arrivals from several countries including, India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh will be effective from 12 pm on September 1.
“Travellers need to refer to quarantine and Covid-19 test norms from the reliable sources of the respective countries to avoid any difficulties,” a travel operator in Dubai said.
Other countries to benefit from the total lifting of the ban (to enter Oman) are Sudan, Brazil, Nigeria, Tanzania, Sierra Leone, Ethiopia, Philippines, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam, Indonesia, Tunisia, Libya, Argentina, and Colombia.
Effective from August 5, 2021, the UAE relaxed travel restrictions for fully vaccinated residents and some unvaccinated individuals in certain categories from prohibited countries, including India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Nigeria and Uganda, will be allowed to return to the UAE under the latest travel update issued by authorities.
Kuwait relaxed travel restrictions on August 1 by allowing fully vaccinated expatriate residents to travel into the country.
Qatar announced a relaxation in travel rules for expatriates coming from India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and Sri Lanka on July 30.
Many were using the Qatar route to reach other GCC countries before the ease in travel restrictions.
“Travellers need to refer to quarantine and Covid-19 test norms from the reliable sources of the respective countries to avoid any difficulties,” a travel operator in Dubai said.
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