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Bahrain Evacuates 8534 Citizens and Residents Due to Coronavirus Outbreak

by BTM

Thu, 28 May 2020

Bahrain Evacuates 8534 Citizens and Residents Due to Coronavirus Outbreak

The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs (NPRA) has revealed that  5570 passengers  arrived in Bahrain while 2964 have left abroad, bringing the total number of passengers evacuated due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak to 8534. 

NPRA has taken further procedures to regulate the arrival and departure of citizens and residents, providing qualified teams to handle the travel procedures. 

It has also implemented several precautionary measures to ensure smooth workflow, the protection of the safety of employees and the continuation of all services, such as the issuance of passports, visas, and resident permits. To apply the social distancing rules, the NPRA has stopped receiving applicants and restricting its services to online applications through its website, except the attendance to receive Bahraini passports through Isa Town branch.  

In addition, a contact centre was formed to answer inquiries and provide backup about online services. Employees were instructed to wear masks, gloves and protective suits while directly dealing with travellers. For their safety, the NPRA’s buildings and service centres are disinfected periodically, while the temperature of the employees is taken before entering the building.

To implement the decisions of the Executive Committee and the directives of the Interior Minister, the status of all violators, visitors and residents, were regulated and they were exempted from fee payment.

All visitors with expired and valid visas were extended for three months without the need to apply and free of charge. In addition, fees associated with all types of resident permits were waived until the end of the year.

The status of 54891 visitors was regulated, in which their visas were extended for three months. A total of 82065 expired and cancelled work permits were regulated to enable  holders to legalise their stay because of the lockdown in their countries.

With regards to foreigners who violated the residency and visa rules, the NPRA has taken a number of steps, including evacuating violators or residents and visitors who want to leave the country, without paying the travel costs or tickets. They were also exempted from any legal procedures because of their violations in coordination with their embassies and  were sheltered prior to their departure.

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