Sixty-two Indian nurses and technicians working for the Ministry of Health, who were stranded abroad due to COVID-19 preventive measures that restricted passengers arriving directly from 34 countries, were flown back to Kuwait on a special flight.
The medical staff who arrived on board a flight on Tuesday were part of the select group that has been given permission to enter Kuwait despite coming from the 34 countries on the banned list. The new arrivals will also undergo a shortened quarantine of seven days, instead of the regular 14-day isolation period, which will enable them to quickly resume their duties and join the fight against the coronavirus.
A large number of expatriates are currently stranded abroad due to the precautionary measures imposed to curb the spread of coronavirus, including the entry ban on passengers from 34 countries. However, the authorities have exempted expatriates in specific professions from the ban taking into account the urgent need for their services in Kuwait.
According to health ministry sources there are more than 500 doctors, technicians and nurses stranded abroad, and arrangements are being made for their speedy return in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Directorate-General for Civil Aviation.