Indian expats in Bahrain welcome government’s move to ease Covid-19 restrictions

TDT | Manama

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Indian expatriates in the Kingdom have welcomed the move by their government to relax Covid norms for travellers from 82 countries including Bahrain as the new norms will come into effect tomorrow.

The new norms exclude fully vaccinated travellers from taking prior to travel RT-PCR tests and seven-day quarantine upon reaching the Indian destinations.

Vaccinated travellers must present their vaccine certificates instead of RT-PCR test results. The government also warned that all those who fabricate vaccination certificates will be liable for criminal prosecution.

All passengers have been asked to download the Aarogya Setu app on their mobile devices. The Daily Tribune reported about rising cases of Covid-19 infections in the Kingdom digging a hole in pockets of outbound travellers, who had to cancel their tickets after testing positive for Covid-19 following RT-PCR tests, which are done 72 hours prior to travel. “I appreciate the Indian government for taking such a wise step,” Bahrain resident Ajil Mathew told The Daily Tribune.

“There is no risk to the society and communities in India from the part of expatriates in Gulf countries including Bahrain, for they are already fully vaccinated and a good majority of them have received booster doses.”

He said the strict Covid protocols were proving tough for many Indian expatriates to fly home and a good number of them would suspend their travel plans desperately. Rajesh K, another resident, hailed the move as his family members and friends are set to fly for his wedding on February 26.

“I was a bit worried about my friends here being able to travel to India for my wedding. Now that’s no more a worry, thanks to the Indian government for the move. We all have received booster doses and are in no way going to infect anyone in our home country.” Meanwhile, airfares to Indian cities have seen an increase in light of the South Asian nation easing Covid rules and protocols.

Ticket bookings and enquiries have also increased sharply, according to the general manager of a leading travel agency. Travel industry executives in Bahrain told The Daily Tribune that the move will definitely give a good boost to travel between the Kingdom and India.