Following the decision to close the airport for 10 days, expats who are spending 14 days in a transit country not on the banned list in preparation to enter Kuwait, will have to remain there until the airport opens in early January 2021 or return to their countries of origin, Al Anba reported. They have the option as long as the airport is not closed, either in the transit country or in their country of origin. They are from high-risk countries on a banned list from where flights are not allowed to enter Kuwait.
Al Rai daily reported that these expatriates from the list of prohibited countries who want to return through a third transit country, will have to come to a decision on what to do.
According to informed sources in the tourism and travel market locally and in the banned countries, expats made frequent inquiries regarding their flight bookings, and the feasibility of travel at the present time. There were also many questions about the status of arrivals who are currently in transit countries, and are stumped as what to do as they have a few days left for their return to Kuwait.
The sources pointed out that the majority of companies were unable to make a decision on behalf of their customers, but the general majority is that as long as travel is available to the transit country, the matter will be a sound option, especially if Kuwait decides to end the suspension on a specified date, and thus their return to the country will be easy. However, there is the likelihood of a new and sudden decision that may completely alter these plans again.
As for those who have already traveled and are staying in the transit country under quarantine, there are two different situations the expats find themselves in. The first is for those who still have plenty of time until the end of the airport suspension, and they do not have any financial pressure as they can fully cover their cost for housing and food, but their biggest concern is their predicament if the decision is extended. The second conditions are worrying for those whose stay duration in the ‘transit’ country expires during the suspension period. Their situation is difficult, and they will be forced to choose between extending their stay in the transit country or returning to their country of origins.
Kuwait decided to ban travelers arriving from 34 countries as a precaution against the coronavirus, either directly or via transit, unless they have spent at least 14 days in non-restricted countries. Tourism companies began offering travel packages to facilitate the return of expats from countries on the ban list, with prices ranging from KD260 and KD500 dinars per person. This has allowed Dubai and other countries to take advantage of the situation by offering travelers “transit residence”, of which thousands of passengers have benefited.