The Indian ambassador to UAE, Pawan Kapoor has urged all Indian citizens to strictly abide by coronavirus precautionary advisories issued by the UAE government, and stay home.

"To combat and to limit the spread of coronavirus and to protect yourself and your near and loved ones, I strongly urge all members of the India community to adhere to and abide by all the advisories issued by the UAE authorities," Kapoor said in a video message posted on the embassies social media platforms.

"I once again urge you all to stay home and stay safe and only go out only if it is absolutely essential."

The envoy has also asked Indian to approach the embassy and consulate only for emergency consular services. "The embassy of India has also issued an advisory on passports and attestation services. In these times, I urge the Indian community to follow this advisory and only approach the Indian embassy and its outsourced centres in cases of emergencies. Anything that can wait longer, should wait."

Indian passport services at all centres in Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates have been suspended. Emergency cases can be brought to the notice of the consulate via an email to passport.dubai@mea.gov.in with documents explaining the emergency. Emergency applications to Indian Embassy can be forwarded to cons.abudhabi@mea.gov.in.

The ambassador said with collective efforts of all, coronavirus can be successfully contained.

"As we all know the whole world is facing a major crisis with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic which has brought normal life to a complete halt and is threatening to overwhelm the health systems of various governments. These are difficult times. But I am confident with the collective efforts of all of us and by following and adopting the recommended norms of social distancing and physical hygiene measures, we can all overcome this challenge."

"As you are aware, the government of India has also announced a lockdown for 21 days and our Prime minister has appealed to all to stay wherever they are. I know this is difficult especially if your loved ones are not with you at this time. But please remember, it is in your interest and in the best interest of the country. So , please follow this advice and stay wherever you are and help us deal with this pandemic," said the ambassador.


Anjana Sankar

Anjana Sankar is a journalist by profession and a humanist by passion. Her cluttered desk is not indicative of her state of mind.

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