UAE repatriates Emiratis from the UK

The UAE has commissioned two chartered planes to bring back its nationals residing in the UK, official news agency WAM reported.

The two flights will repatriate over 80 Emiratis from the United Kingdom. The first flight took place on April 5, with the next one scheduled for April 7.

These individuals were either studying or receiving medical treatment in the UK and were unable to return following the closure of UAE airports on March 24.

“The welfare of our citizens is our highest priority. That is why our government took strict measures to stop the spread of the coronavirus within the UAE,” said Mansoor Abulhoul, UAE ambassador to the United Kingdom.

“Such a firm obligation also means getting our citizens home safe and sound at this difficult time.”

Khaled Belhoul, Undersecretary at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, added: “This flight is one of 43 flights that we have organised to bring back 1,783 Emiratis from all around the world, and 22 evacuations are underway and shall be completed in the coming days to repatriate approximately 641 Emirati nationals. We are proud of our team, which has worked tirelessly for the past week to help UAE citizens return home.”

The decision comes at a time when most international flights, including transit flights, remain suspended as part of the Covid-19 precautionary measures in place in the country.

Read: UAE suspends all inbound and outbound passenger flights for two weeks

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) and the United Kingdom’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office also signed an agreement to facilitate the repatriation of British nationals during the Covid-19 emergency period by allowing flights that carry them to transit through UAE airports en route to the United Kingdom.

All necessary services and facilities would also be extended to them during the process.