From the new normal in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic, the world is slowly returning to the normal we are used to, though there are certain restrictions and limitations.

The airports are open and international flight services have begun in Qatar and UAE, which is a major reprieve for the stranded expatriates, especially those from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh who were facing the threat of the job loss. Now the people with valid UAE resident visa, who have been fully vaccinated in the UAE and completed 14 days after the second dose can land there and resume their work.

However, the conditions are not that simple and it might not be easier for everyone to reach there. The condition, with a few exceptions, that only those who have been vaccinated in the UAE are eligible to fly back, would make it difficult for many people from India and other countries to come back even if they have been vaccinated in their country.

Since Covid-19 is a global pandemic, and most of the vaccines have been developed as per international protocol, the rule can be relaxed for the benefit of more people, and the authorities can issue a list of vaccines instead, which are approved by the UAE authorities. Since the airlines operate under the ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) regulations, it would be better to have a global consensus in this connection, so that the travel would become easier.

Since the smooth functioning of the workforce is a must to strengthen the economy of every country to come out of the tough times, there should be a system in place to handle the situation and ensure the mobility of the workforce that is the backbone of any economy.

As of now, the circular says that the “holders of a valid UAE resident visa who have been fully vaccinated in the UAE and completed 14 days after the 2nd dose must submit the vaccination card/certificate through the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.”

At the same time, certain categories of non-vaccinated passengers are exempted. According to the officials, these include diplomats, healthcare workers including doctors, nurses and technicians, government employees, and also teachers and students studying in the UAE. Since Dubai EXPO is all set to begin in a couple of months, the exhibitors and participants who are under the sponsorship of EXPO 2020 are also exempted.

This does not mean that they are free to move around. They have to adhere to the test protocol, and quarantine rules. Though the authorities have to clarify as to why this exemption, it is clear indication that the routine functioning of the emergency sectors should not be affected in the name of the pandemic. However, if this is extended to the other workforce as well, it would be appreciated as a more human approach, and it would benefit more people for sure, thus benefiting the economy as a whole.

On the other hand, the relaxation is a boon for those who want to fly to India, because they would not face much of a difficulty while flying back after being with their dear ones back home. The ticket booking has witnessed a boom in the recent days, according to the industry professionals.

Since the world is fighting the pandemic together, it would be highly appreciated if there is a uniform protocol and an understanding among various nations to bring things back to normalcy and help the world come out of the challenging situation for a brighter tomorrow and a resurgent world.