Dubai tourism agencies advised that visitors who are applying for visit visas should carry a minimum of Dh3, 000 in cash, return ticket and proof of accommodation before embarking on a flight to Dubai.
Essential control measures have since been put in place and the authorities are maintaining the compliance of foreign entrants to those guidelines as a way of executing measures to combat the virus spread. Others who were weeded out claimed they were prevented from boarding their planes at the Indian airports. Some said that they were left abandoned at the airports detained in Dubai.
“Clearly, those intending to visit Dubai must have visa and passport, with a validity of not less than six months, and one is required to have a confirmed ticket to the country, These are measures being taken in the past,” said Mr. Firoz Maliyakkal, the founder and CE of Tahira Tours and Travels.
“But now, what they do is that, they wanted to ascertain that you are indeed carrying enough of the money as a proof that you have financial base adequate to support your stay in Dubai. The amount is any currency equivalent in cash or credit card to Dh3,000. Firoz also added, ‘a Chartered Accountant based in Abu Dhabi’ investor has to give a valid proof of the address of accommodation in the UAE or a relative or friend’s residence or hotel booking.
They said this rule has existed for several years but now, sources have increased screening for the travelers’ own good.
“Airport checks are implemented to protect arriving passengers in Dubai There are numerous instances of overstaying their visas Travellers will benefit from this move by the authorities As the tourism pillar of the emirate Rooh Travel and Tourism supports these measures,” said Mr Libin Varghese.
Adding to this, he further said that the sensitive checks ensure that there are no issues for individuals who are planning to visit the UAE.
‘Stuck at Airport’
Abin S, the-body-double of Prithviraj Sukumaran, flew into Dubai on a Spice Jet flight and reached Dubai from the Cochin International Airport in the southern Indian state of Kerala on May 15. After that, he was asked what is required to visit Dubai with the following response.
“Thus, when I arrived at 2. noon, Mr. victim demanded me to produce an amount of equivalent to Dh3,000 which I had with me. I also had a return ticket ready that would take me back to Muranga in Central Kenya for my final destination. Nevertheless, I was able to show proof of my accommodation in Dubai — photographs provided by Abin.
They asked for my cousin’s Emirates ID and asked me if I had any proof of accommodation and I said yes ,I am staying with my cousin,” But my cousin is renting a room in Dubai and is currently not even having any property of his own to live in,” said Abin.
He said that it was not the first time that he had visited Dubai and he had never faced a similar problem in the past.
“The travel agent who is based in India did not inform me about this together with my cousin. I was stuck in the airport’s waiting hall for four days before getting a seat and on the fateful date May 19, I got a flight back to my home town on the same airline, said Abin.
Khaleej Times has sent an enquiry to the immigration department, which is yet to respond.
Denied Boarding
In an incident that occurred to an Indian tourist named Abhishek on May 20, he was refused entry at Cochin International Airport while preparing to board his flight to Dubai. He was dreaming to go see his brother-in-law Bijesh in this city of wonder, Dubai.
The airport staff informed Bijesh that; Anyone who intends visiting the UAE must produce a valid hotel accommodation for the validity of their visit visa in the country or else part with 5000 Dirhams in cash as per his statement; Bijesh stated that He had fifty thousand Rupees in his bag but the airport staff insisted he should produce dirhams.
Bijesh said he and his friends had a lot of difficulties in trying to find alternative locations to camp. “Abhishek was going to live with his uncle in Dubai,” he said.
“We even forwarded all information given at the registration counters which includes the Emirates ID and the proof of stay but the officials at Cochin airport refused to budge from their stance that they would not allow the uncle to board the plane until he produced the required documents. ”
