Question : Keralites Stranded in Gulf

(a) whether many Keralites were stranded in Dubai enroute to Saudi Arabia due to recently imposed air travel restrictions in the Kingdom and if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether Keralites who had served 14 day quarantine in Dubai before leaving for Saudi Arabia have been affected and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Union Government has taken any steps to provide travel permits to the stranded Keralites in Dubai in consultation/ co-ordination with the concerned Government; and

(d) if so, the details thereof?

THE MINISTER OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
(DR. SUBRAHMANYAM JAISHANKAR)

(a) to (d) A statement is laid on the Table of the House.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (A) TO (D) OF LOK SABHA STARRED QUESTION NO. *316 REGARDING “KERALITES STRANDED IN GULF” TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.03.2021


(a) & b) Yes, several Indian nationals, including Keralites, en route Saudi Arabia were stranded in UAE after Saudi Arabia introduced a ban on flights from UAE (which was among 20 such countries) on February 3, 2021 due to the Covid-19 situation. It is difficult to estimate the exact number of Indians stranded in UAE.

(c) & d) Government took up the matter of Indians stranded in UAE with government authorities in Saudi Arabia and UAE, including through our Embassies and Consulates. Government has also been discussing an air bubble arrangement with Saudi Arabia so that the difficulties being faced by Indians in travelling to Saudi Arabia due to Covid-19 pandemic can be addressed.

An Advisory was issued by Embassy of India in Abu Dhabi and Consulate General of India in Dubai on February 8 providing guidance to the stranded Indian citizens. They also provided all assistance to the stranded Indians, as appropriate, including their repatriation to India in the eligible cases.

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