Coronavirus: Regional and International Updates

As we continue to navigate our way through these unprecedented times it is more vital than ever that we arm ourselves with accurate information and share resources. No one quite knows what the next few months will bring but staying up to date with information from reliable sources will help us plan, prepare and succeed. At EER we want to make sure we can share with you the details that matter from the areas we know best, as everyone is dealing with different priorities right now. We hope you are staying safe and taking precautions – but if your business needs to know about the changes in relocation, immigration and visa services at the moment, we want to make sure you have it.

We are sharing not only the updates from official news outlets and government announcements, but also first-hand accounts from our colleagues and friends on the ground in these locations. The more we can work together and learn from each other, the more effective we will be at combating this virus, both medically and economically.

United Arab Emirates

No. of Cases: 153     No. of Fatalities:   2 (as of 22.03.2020)

The main updates in the UAE are related to the travel restrictions, internal measures and economic steps that have been announced in recent days.

Travel and Visas

As well as a halt to all visa-on-arrival entries, The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation has extended its suspension on valid resident permit holders who are currently abroad re-entering the country. If you do have questions about what to do there is 24 hour hotline and a “Tawajudi for residents” service that has been created to facilitate safe returns in emergency situations; you can register for it here.  As of 19^th March 2020 out-of-country visa applications and work permits are currently suspended (with the exception of EXPO 2020 workers, diplomatic passport holders and intra-corporate transfers). In-country visa applications and renewals are still being processed, but there may be delays and additional checks before issues are made.  Those concerned about a potential overstay can apply for new visit or tourist visa through any travel and tourism agency without having to go to the border.

Internal Measures

The UAE has been extremely active in their methods to slow the spread and contain the coronavirus.  As well as the announcements surrounding working from home, the government has taken steps to ensure manufacturing processes will keep residents and medical facilities sufficiently supplied throughout the crisis.  Malls, cinemas, pools, beaches, salons, gyms and events have all been closed or cancelled and residents are asked not to group together with more than five people. Restaurants are being allowed to continue with home delivery.  95 of the busiest streets are being sterilised through deep cleaning in order to help stem infection spikes as well. Having closed all the schools, distance and online learning will be initiated from 22^nd March 2020, with teachers providing lessons and homework via the internet. Families in need can get internet from Du and Etisalat free of charge and the Ministry of Education is keen to help anyone who may not have the right equipment in order to join in with lessons.

Bahrain

No. of Cases:  310     No. of Fatalities:   1 (as of 22.03.2020)

Much like the UAE, Bahraini schools have been closed for some time and as of last week their gyms, clubs and parks have been closed with restaurants restricted to delivery and takeaway only. The causeway access to Saudi Arabia is closed in both directions with only selected trucks being allowed to pass.  Official advice is for residents to stay indoors as much as possible, restrict groups to under 20 people and only go out in an emergency.  No new visit visas are being issued into the country and those who are able to enter must complete a 14-day self-quarantine. A curfew or widespread lockdown is anticipated in the coming days.

Kuwait

No. of Cases: 176      No. of Fatalities:   0   (as of 22.03.2020 according to the WHO)

The Kuwaiti cabinet is determined to prevent rife infection within their borders and so have instituted some of the strictest measures in the region thus far.  As of 22^nd March 2020, there will be a nationwide partial curfew in which movement between 5pm and 4am will be restricted unless in the case of emergencies.  There has also been a two-week extension to the mandatory suspension of work in all ministries and state agencies until 12^th April 2020.  All shops and central markets have been closed with a few exceptions as determined necessary by Kuwait Municipality.

Oman

No. of Cases: 52      No. of Fatalities:   0   (as of 22.03.2020 according to the WHO)

Public transport has been halted across Oman to reduce the rate of infection and prevent it reaching European levels. They have also closed the beaches, parks, playgrounds, gyms, salons & spas as well as all retail outlets apart from supermarkets and pharmacies. Only Omanis can enter Oman and their borders remain closed to all other nationalities.

Qatar

No. of Cases: 481      No. of Fatalities:   0  (as of 22.03.2020)

In line with the regional practice for fast-acting precautions, Qatar is currently under semi-lockdown quarantine procedures. Only supermarkets and pharmacies are open, with all malls, restaurants and cafes closed. All non-essential jobs must work from home and only Qatar nationals are being allowed into the country, with the airport now temporarily closed for two weeks.  At the moment the majority of measures are being enforced for two weeks, but residents expect that to roll on until the crisis has passed.  According to locals there are some shortages in provisions, but nothing like they have seen in other areas.

We hope very much that you are staying safe and well and that your business is able to adapt to, and weather, the current situation. If there is anything, we can help you with at all, please don’t hesitate to get in touch, EER has continued to deploy our robust business continuity plans so that we can stay by your side throughout this crisis.

You can reach us via info@eerme.com or +971 4 421 1819 at any time.