Relief for migrant workers as Indians with valid visas can now travel to UAE

• Indians who hold “any valid” United Arab Emirates visa can now travel to UAE.
• The India-UAE transport bubble is valid until August 31.
• Here’s a list of the origin and destinations that Air India will be operating flights on the India-UAE route.

Indians who hold any valid United Arab Emirates visa can now travel to UAE as the Indian government eased travel restrictions in a phased manner. This will be a part of the Indian government's ‘Air bubble’ scheme, which is valid until August 31.

Under the ‘Air bubble’ scheme, the government will be connecting 16 Indian cities to Dubai, Sharjah, and Abu Dhabi in UAE.

According to the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation, “India has also created a transport bubble with the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This bubble is valid till 31.08.2020. As per the arrangement, both Indian and UAE carriers will be permitted to operate flights between India and UAE”

This development now allows all UAE residents of Indian nationality who were stranded in India to return to the UAE. Earlier, the government had only allowed residency holders to travel to the country on flights being operated as part of India’s repatriation mission.

These are the origin and destinations that Air India will be operating flights from:

Checkout the detailed schedule here.

What is an ‘air bubble’ agreement?

According to the Ministry of Civil Aviation, “Transport Bubbles” or “Air Travel Arrangements” are temporary arrangements between two countries aimed at restarting commercial passenger services because regular international flights were suspended as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. They are reciprocal in nature, meaning airlines from both countries enjoy similar benefits.

It is pertinent to note that the ban on international travel remains in the third phase of “Unlock 3”. But, the government has released various flight schedules under Vande Bharat Mission to repatriate and facilitate the travel to these countries for Indian nationals.

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