There’s some bad news for Indian expats stranded abroad. All expats including those in the UAE will be unable to return to India for at least another month.
India’s Supreme Court Chief Justice Arvind Bobde deferred a hearing of seven cases from stranded citizens that opposed the government’s decision to shut its borders for a four-week period, urging Indians to “stay where you are”.
The seven cases included expats in the UAE and UK-based students.
Arabian Business reports that Indian officials in various parts of the country have expressed concern about coronavirus positive individuals returning from abroad, including from the Middle East.
According to The National, India’s Consulate in Dubai has recently received repatriation requests from 800 residents and one employer seeking to send back 1,000 staff members.
However, the UAE has been quick to criticise India’s decision.
The UAE’s state-run WAM news agency has said that the United Arab Emirates will be forced to look at restructuring their agreements and levels of cooperation with countries who refuse to receive their citizens.
(With inputs from Arabian Business)
