Two special flights repatriated 371 stranded Indonesians from Dubai and Abu Dhabi airports. While 204 cruise ship crew members returned home from Dubai, 167 Indonesian nationals who were stuck here for various reasons flew out from Abu Dhabi.
The crew members of four cruise ships were docked in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. While Seven Seas Voyager, Norwegian Jade and Nautica cruise ships were in Dubai since beginning and mid of last month, Azamara Quest arrived in Abu Dhabi mid-March. Since the Covid-19 restrictions were imposed, all crew members were stranded in their ships in the ports of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Overall, there are 215 crew members but 11 decided to continue their work contract.
Indonesian Embassy in Abu Dhabi in coordination with Indonesian Consulate General in Dubai and local authorities, and supported by cruise ship holding companies - Norwegian Cruise Line and Azamara Cruises, repatriated crew members, who left on Garuda Indonesia chartered aircraft for Jakarta from the Dubai International Airport by 11 pm on Thursday.
Authorities conduct free Covid-19 test
All passengers were tested negative during Covid-19 tests, which were conducted for free by the local health authorities in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Indonesian Ambassador to UAE Husin Bagis thanked the support of the UAE government and local authorities, including police, ports, health departments and officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Bagis and Indonesian Consul General in Dubai Ridwan Hassan directly monitored the repatriation.
"On behalf of the Government of Indonesia, allow me to extend my high appreciation to the UAE Government and the local authorities for their support and assistance in facilitating the Covid-19 test for all repatriated crew, as well as the commendable arrangement to ensure the smooth and safe process of the repatriation of our compatriots," Bagis told Khaleej Times.
Meanwhile, Nur Ibrahim, First Secretary, Information and Socio-Cultural Affairs, Indonesian Embassy, said that 167 Indonesian were repatriated from Abu Dhabi International Airport onboard Etihad Airways special repatriation flight.
"The repatriated Indonesians include those who were sent on unpaid leave, stranded tourists and whose contracts were terminated," Ibrahim added.
ashwani@khaleejtimes.com