Kuwait is the lone outlier among Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states when it comes to allowing residents holding valid visas to return. Other countries in the GCC have allowed expatriates with valid residency, and even other valid visa holders, to enter their countries, subject to prevailing health and precautionary measures to prevent the spread of Coronavirus.
In early February of this year the Cabinet issued a decision banning entry of foreigners to the country, initially for a period of two-weeks that has since been extended and remains in effect till today.
Gulf countries have announced various precautionary measures to prevent the spread of coronavirus or the entry of mutated strains in the country, but this has not come at the cost of permitting residents from returning to the country. Despite the ban by some Gulf countries such as Saudi Arabia and Oman on direct flights from countries with cases of mutated strains, the resident workers were allowed to enter the country with necessary quarantine periods.
A look at the various restrictions in different GCC countries show that while each country pursues separate health strategies they have all refrained from restricting the return of expatriates working in their countries and holding valid residency permits.
Saudi Arabia: In September 2020, the kingdom announced several exceptions, including allowing citizens of the Gulf countries to enter and exit the country. It also allowed entry to non-Saudis who obtained exit, return, work, residence, or visit visas, provided they adhered to all preventive health measures in place. Although the country has extended a travel ban until May of this year, the exceptions for residents continue to prevail.
UAE: In August 2020, UAE allowed the return of resident expatriates without submitting a prior approval request, and it also allowed the entry of those with valid visas.
Qatar: At the beginning of August 2020, it allowed residents outside Qatar to return by applying for an exceptional entry permit. In addition to that, residents who are in Qatar and wish to travel and return to the country can do it by obtaining an exceptional entry permit.
In addition to expatriate workers who hold professional and manual professions, the employer in the public and private sectors can also submit an application for an exceptional entry permit for residents who work with them.
Oman: Latest update on travel to the Sultanate was announced this April, and allows residents with valid visas issued before 5 April to enter Oman.
Bahrain: Since last September, Bahrain allows residents of the Gulf countries to enter its territories, as well as holders of electronic visas or those entitled to obtain a visa upon arrival to Bahrain while following health controls and requirements.
More than 200,000 expatriates with valid residency permits for Kuwait have been stranded abroad due to the government’s decision to ban entry of foreigners.