COVID-19: Bahrain denies expat return claims

Cairo: Bahrain has denied reports that it has allowed the return of foreign residents still stuck abroad due to travel restrictions prompted by the spread of the coronavirus.

The Interior Ministry’s Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) dismissed as baseless reports that circulated on social media about return of stranded migrant workers. “It should be confirmed that issues of departure and return are handled according to the previously announced measures which are currently in effect,” NPRA said.

Earlier this month, Bahrain said that it has allowed entry for citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council, except those of Qatar, the holders of electronic visas and passengers eligible for obtaining an on-arrival visa.

All travelers are required to do a PCR test for the new coronavirus on arrival and at their expense. They have also to go into self-isolation until the results are released and prove negative.

Foreigners account for more than half of Bahrain’s overall population of 1.7 million.