Stranded in ‘transit’ enter

KUWAIT CITY, Dec 23: A state of confusion prevailed following the announcement of the air, sea and land borders closure to prevent the COVID-19 mutation spreading into the country, especially when it was reported that the Ministry of Health, had issued a decision to temporarily open the borders for one day only to allow those stranded in the ‘transit’ countries who had spent the 14-day quarantine period, to enter the country, clearly reflecting coordination between the various institutions.

The land border crossings also witnessed unprecedented congestion the day before yesterday, at the Saudi- Kuwaiti borders, as vehicles made a last minute attempt to beat the deadline at the Nuwaiseeb and Salmi border points prior to the closure.

A security source told the Al- Seyassah daily that the land ports did not allow any vehicles until receiving official instructions and clarification because the Ministry of Interior is the body to implement the decisions issued by the health authorities in the Council of Ministers, and the borders cannot be opened without official decision.

Meanwhile, in the same regard informed sources at the Directorate- General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) revealed that the airport was opened yesterday to those stranded in transit at the Dubai, Beirut, Abu Dhabi and Doha airports.

Three flights were allowed to land at the Kuwait International Airport (KIA) on humanitarian grounds especially for expatriates who had completed the quarantine period in Dubai and held valid residence permits. They were allowed to enter until midnight yesterday, thus confirming that anyone who was stuck during transit was allowed to enter.

However, the DGCA sources said it is not true what has been circulated about the opening of the airport, and the matter is only limited to these flights coming from Dubai, Doha and Beirut for transit passengers. On the other hand, officials in the tourism and travel offices told Al- Seyassah daily the airlines admitted emergency flights were allowed to land in coordination between Kuwaiti embassies in those countries and the concerned authorities in Kuwait. Limited seats were available on these aircraft, and ticket prices ranged between 450 and 720 dinars

By Munif Nayef, Marwa Al-Bahrawi and Muhammad Ghanem Al-Seyassah Staff