Were Flights Coming from India Actually Suspended?

2021-05-29 - 6:12 p

Bahrain Mirror (Exclusive): Is the Bahraini government decision regarding suspension of flights from infected countries considered final?

Unfortunately, this can't be clearly understood from the official statement issued by the Civil Aviation Affairs, on May 23, 2021.  

The statement issued by the Civil Aviation Affairs spoke about suspension of flights, with exceptions. It announced the suspension of entry for travelers arriving from red list countries, namely; India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, on all flights starting Monday, 24 May 2021.

However, it later explains that the ban is imposed on individuals coming from these states and entering Bahrain temporarily; i.e. who will use Bahrain as a quarantine and passage and then leave to the state they intend to reach.

Thus, is entering Bahrain as "transit" not allowed, while staying for a few days, as a safe passage for residency visa holders is allowed? It is to note that Indians can easily acquire a one-month residency visa in Bahrain, as there are ads in India that promote the ability to provide a one-month residency for those willing to travel to it in exchange for a certain amount of money.

The conclusion is that residency visa holders coming from India can enter Bahrain. The Civil Aviation Affairs says "citizens and residency visa holders must quarantine for ten days at their residence or at a licensed quarantine facility approved by the National Health Regulatory Authority."

Residency holders will, of course, reach Bahrain on flights coming from India and not by any other way. The question here is: how consistent is the government's decision with the recommendations of the National Taskforce for Combatting the Coronavirus pandemic?

Citizens have the right to ask whether all flights coming from India were suspended or only part of them? Why are there exceptions?

Arabic Version