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UAE-India repatriation: 'Am flying home to see my ailing dad'

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UAE, India repatriation, dubai

Khaleej Times speaks to some of these expats as they enter the airport.

By Team KT

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Published: Thu 7 May 2020, 1:53 PM

Last updated: Thu 7 May 2020, 7:20 PM

Two aircraft from the carrying around 360 passengers from Abu Dhabi and Dubai will depart at two Kerala airports. All arrangements have been made by the government keeping in view the Covid-19 situation.
The first two flights from the UAE will take off carrying 177 passengers each today. The Abu Dhabi-Kochi flight will take off at  4.15pm and the Dubai-Kozhikode flight at 5pm.

Passengers started arriving at Abu Dhabi and Dubai airports as early as 9.30am on Thursday.


Khaleej Times speaks to some of these expats as they enter the airport. Though most passengers have confirmed tickets, several on the waiting lists have also turned up in the hope that they too will be allowed to board.
Arun Babu, one such passenger, lost his mother recently, and his father is critically ill.  "She died due to a heart attack, and my father is also ill," said Babu, who was informed by the Consulate that in case there are cancellations, he can travel.
For someone like Ambili B, who came on visit visa, her dreams of seeing the best of Abu Dhabi City remains unfulfilled.
"I came in first week of March. But ever since I have been stuck at home with my son. I had heard so much about Abu Dhabi from him. It was a long cherished dream to fly. This was first time I had been abroad. But now have to return without catching any of Abu Dhabi. I hope to return later."
Faisal Veluthattil, who works in Abu Dhabi's tourism industry for 13 years, is going on a short break of three months
"There is no activity for few months. So, I am leaving for now. My company booked tickets for me. I have been paid two months' leave salary and maybe I would need to be on non-paid salary for another month. I hope situation improves. I hope to be back by August when tourism industry picks steam."
Anas V, who worked as a driver with an Arab family, is placed on leave. "I came here five months back. Now am returning as the family said there will be no activity for few months. The family has been good to me. They will call me after few months. I hope to return."
85-year-old Nafisa Mohamed came to see her grandchildren. She will board the flight with a small unfulfilled wish. "I came here with my 62-year-old son Abubacker K.V. and daughter-in-law Hameeda. We all visited my son here. It was the best days of my life with my cute grandchildren. However, there was no way to see this beautiful city. I leave having unable to see Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque and the much-anticipated visit to Burj Khalifa. Inshallah, things will improve and this old lady will be able to return here for a final visit."
Susan Baby is a nurse at a private hospital and returning for delivery of child. "I am taking a break and returning home. I have served my hospital for nine years so far. I will return after few months. I hope things will be stable then."


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