Cambodian embassy repatriates four nationals stranded in UAE
The Cambodian family of four are set to arrive in the Kingdom today. Royal Embassy of Cambodia to Kuwait
The Royal Embassy of Cambodia to Kuwait has recently assisted in the repatriation of a Cambodian family who was stuck in the United Arab Emirates following travel restrictions imposed amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to a statement from the embassy released yesterday, the four Cambodian nationals had been stranded in the UAE since March 28. To evacuate the citizens, the Cambodian ambassador to Kuwait led the repatriation efforts with the coordination of South Korean embassies to Kuwait and UAE and the UAE flag carrier Etihad Airways.
“The four Cambodians will depart on May 7, on a flight arranged by UAE’s Etihad Airways. From the United Arab Emirates, they will transit in Seoul, South Korea before arriving in Cambodia,” it said.
The Cambodian Embassy to Kuwait oversees concerns from nationals living in both Kuwait and the UAE as a Cambodian Embassy to UAE is yet to be established.
Speaking to Khmer Times yesterday,Cambodian Ambassador to Kuwait Hun Han said the family went for a tour in UAE on March 13 and was set to depart for Cambodia on March 28. However, the global travel restrictions which were enforced in light of the pandemic led to the cancellation of their flight.
“After failing to depart from UAE, one of the family members, Nguon Sophal, went to the Cambodian embassy and appealed for assistance [on April 29],” said Mr Han.
Upon receiving the request, Mr Han said he wrote a letter to Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn and the South Korean Embassy to Kuwait to call on their support in repatriation efforts.
In response, the South Korean embassy assisted in arranging a flight for the stranded citizens via Etihad Airways, the only carrier allowed to fly from UAE to South Korea.
The repatriated family will arrive in the country today.
Last week, over 200 Cambodians were repatriated after being stranded in Malaysia. Minister of Health Mam Bun Heng, during a press conference, said the ministry had requested the Malaysian authorities to test the Cambodians for COVID-19 before allowing them to return to the Kingdom.
Credited: Khmer Times
