Muscat: Travel agents in Oman are currently registering expats stuck outside the country but who possess valid resident visas and wish to return during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
Repatriation and chartered planes that are flying Indian expats out of Oman are now bringing back residents who hold valid Omani resident cards and were stuck in India. They are required to hold valid permits from the Omani Ministry of Foreign Affairs to come back to Oman.
Many Indians working in Oman were on holiday in their home country when airports closed due to COVID-19 and have been stuck there since.
A spokesperson from one of the travel agencies facilitating the return said: "As a first step we have asked those keen to return to register their details and their port of embarkation in India, making it clear that the main requirement is a valid Omani resident card. Based on demand for flights to Oman, lists of passengers will be submitted to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for authorisation, following which those who wish to fly back can book their tickets, either independently or through travel agents."
Based on the number of passengers, the agency will book them into a flight that is available at the earliest from their chosen city. The Indian Embassy in Oman has been rendering immense assistance to Indian citizens in this regard along with community clubs.
Suhail Khan, who is a management committee member of Indian Social Club, says that efforts of Indian Embassy in Oman and the cooperation of the Oman’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs are to be commended, in ensuring the safe return of Indians with resident cards into Oman. “We are only instrumental in ensuring the delivery of the right message to those concerned and we keep ourselves ready to help those in need with information and positive directions. We encourage people to try all means, and share their experiences.” Suhail told Gulf News.
“The Deccan wing recently helped in bringing back 37 Omani resident card holders from Hyderabad. A further 11 from Chennai and 15 from Mumbai too reached Oman, through the concerted efforts of the Embassy of India in Oman. While the Mumbai and Chennai passengers were accommodated in the Vande Bharat flights, the ones from Hyderabad flew in Salam Air’s flight which was on the return leg of a special flight. We are also grateful to the assistance of our Omani friend and a respected figure in Oman Mohammed Zaheeruddin who helped us in a big way to unite the families. ” Suhail Khan said.
Another key figure who has helped many Indians in times of need is PM Jabir, founder of the Kerala Wing of Indian Social Club. He told Gulf News that he is assisting those with active jobs in Oman who had gone on holiday to Kerala and are now stuck there for over five months and wish to return to Oman.
