MUSCAT: Expat residents who are stranded back home due to the COVID-19 travel ban imposed by the Supreme Committee have appealed for help to return to Oman.
Due to rise in coronavirus cases, Oman placed an indefinite travel restrictions on passengers coming from India, Pakistan and Bangladesh. Several expats who are stuck back home said their jobs and businesses are at stake, while some are worried about financial implications.
Speaking to The Arabian Stories, several expats hope that the authorities lift the entry restrictions for resident visa holders. “I went to Kerala due to a family emergency but got stuck as I couldn’t get a ticket to return back on time. If I don’t return soon, my job will be affected,” said Mohan Kumar, an engineer who flew to Kochi in Kerala, India.
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Pakistani resident Mohammed Yousuf who went to Lahore to see his ailing mother has appealed for help to return to Muscat as his business is affected. “I didn’t know I will be in this situation. I run a small business in Seeb. My wife and two children in Oman are struggling in my absence and my business is also suffering. I hope the authorities will take an appropriate decision very soon,” he said.
Jobs at stake
“I have a personal loan, car loan and house rent expenses to be paid and my annual leave has ended in the first week of May. Now I am on unpaid leave. I really dont know how I am going to meet my expenses without being there in Muscat. If the ban is extended indefinitely, then I will be in big trouble,” said Rakesh Nair, who went to India in April.
Meanwhile, travel agents in Muscat said they are getting frantic calls from passengers who are looking to return. “We get a lot of calls from passengers asking if there is any update on travel. We hope the authorities will soon consider lifting the restrictions,” added Reena Abdulrahman, Chief Operating Officer of Alhind Travels and Tours.
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