Hundreds of expatriates who were stranded back home, after Oman suspended international flights from several countries in an attempt to contain the spread of coronavirus, arrived at the Muscat International Airport on Wednesday.
With Oman’s decision to lift the ban on entry from abroad, residents and visitors from as many as 21 countries, including India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, started arriving through the land, air and sea gateways.
“I have been stuck back home for nearly 121 days and had sort of lost all hopes of returning in time to join my work in Muscat. For me, it’s nothing but a dream come true after my family’s prayers,” Ahmed Adil, an employee at a supermarket told the Observer at the airport after arriving with Oman Air from India.
“I had no plans of staying back home for more than a month when I went on vacation in April but it is nearly the fifth month since I reached back home. Thanks to the Oman authorities for helping us come back and join our work,” Sarath, another expatriate adds.
Arrivals from these countries are further accentuated as the Passports and Residency Department of the Royal Oman Police (ROP) started issuing visit and residency visas from September 1.
“We have secured nearly 20 visas for new employees from some Asian countries without which we have been unable to open our supermarkets in a couple of wilayats,” said Unni Krishna Pillai, GM of an upcoming retail chain. Residents who reached Oman told the Observer that the arrival procedures were easy at the airport and were quite simplified.
