The Embassy in Abu Dhabi and the Indian Consulate in Dubai have both operationalized 24X7 helplines (Abu Dhabi - 0508995583, Dubai 0565463903) for Indian nationals seeking help amid the ongoing Covid-19 crisis.

Furthermore, international flights to and from India, will continue to remain suspended, until April 14, and passenger flights may resume only in a staggered manner, according to an Embassy spokesperson.

Specific cases of people needing medical attention or food related to Covid-19 restrictions have been brought to the notice of the UAE health authorities for their intervention.

"We are also providing telephone counselling to certain affected people with the help of qualified doctors/medical specialists from the Indian expatriate community in the UAE" said an Embassy spokesperson.

Meanwhile, the Consulate General of India took to Twitter urging Indian expatriates to stay at home. "All Indian nationals are requested to stay home and stay safe. Indians who are stranded or facing any difficulty in Dubai and the Northern Emirates are advised to contact Consulate's 24/7 helpline number 00971 565463903," said the tweet.

The Embassy explained, "People who require other material assistance are also being assisted, where required and possible, with the support of volunteers and the Indian community associations in the UAE."

Travel suspensions in place till April 14

As far as travel to India is concerned, the Indian Embassy clarified that till April 14, there is a complete suspension of all international passenger flights to and from India, including from the UAE. "We are aware that some Indians from the UAE are unable to go to India even for their emergency needs. This is indeed very unfortunate, but this is an extraordinary medical emergency situation that the world is facing, which has also led to the imposition of unprecedented measures by the Government of India," said the Embassy.

"We hope that the situation will improve soon to permit resumption of international passenger flights, at least in a staggered manner," added the spokesperson.

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