India-UAE flight suspension: Stranded expats in low spirits as they face longer wait

Dubai - UAE has extended travel restrictions until May 14.

UAE residents stranded in India were heartbroken after learning that travel restrictions had been extended until May 14. Businessmen, professionals, newlyweds, homemakers and kids — people from different walks of life — now face a risk of a longer stay in India as Covid cases and deaths rise across the country.

India reported 386,452 new Covid cases on Friday and 3,498 deaths since Thursday morning, taking the total death toll to 208,330.

A desolate Parvathy K., a newlywed Keralite, is desperate to return to the UAE, her ‘second home and the safest place in the world’.

“I was supposed to land in Dubai this week but the ban was put in place from April 25. My family in Thiruvananthapuram and my husband in Dubai tried all ways to get a ticket booked before the deadline but failed. The Covid situation in Kerala is worrisome. I wish to come to the UAE, which is the safest place to be now. I was born and raised in Dubai. Those who are currently in the UAE must consider themselves among the luckiest in the world. I also thank the UAE leadership for the invaluable medical aid it sent to India,” Parvathy said over the phone from Kerala.

Sharjah-based businessman Shahbaz Ali has travelled to India for a family gathering but is now stranded.

“I planned to return with my family on May 6 after the initial flight suspension. I was shocked to learn about this extension. I have started a few projects and my presence is required in Dubai. I am currently signing the documents and cheques from here and sending it to Dubai by post as our business runs completely on PDCs and LC payments.”

D. Parthasarathy is hoping that the government could consider some emergency cases. “I had rescheduled my return ticket for next week. Now, I am really worried as I have to get back to work as soon as possible.”

Abdul Azeez, a marketing executive, went to India after his wedding in Dubai. Now he is concerned about his job. “I wanted to meet my relatives as they were unable to attend my wedding in Dubai. I had booked my tickets for April 25 but due to the flight suspension, I couldn’t travel. My job requires my presence in Dubai.”