Riyadh: Saudi Arabia will extend the validity of iqama (residence permit) and re-entry visas of those who have been stranded in countries, which are facing the travel ban.
The validity of re-entry, iqama and visit visas will be extended till June 2 for free. The new decision comes as a relief to those stranded in India, including Keralites.
Saudi had banned entry of travellers from 20 countries, including India. After this, Indians had to travel to another country that is not facing the ban and stayed for 14 days before heading to Saudi with the RT-PCR negative certificate. But more curbs have been enforced now.
Meanwhile, Keralites are looking to bypass the UAE curbs by travelling via Uzbekistan and Armenia. Those entering via these countries, which are on the green list of the UAE, do not need to be in quarantine.
Travel ban for Indians continues in Qatar. Though Qatar Airways, Air India and Indigo flights are conducting services, as per the air bubble arrangement; the Home Ministry's exceptional entry permit is also mandatory along with the Qatar ID.
Currently, there is no flight service to Kuwait from India. Though Kuwait Airways, Jazeera Airways and Indigo are conducting services, passengers are not allowed in the return trips.
With Bahrain imposing travel curbs from Monday, passengers from five countries, including India, will have to present PCR test results issued within 48 hours before the commencement of the flight journey. Entry is only allowed for those with residence permits in Bahrain.
