Mixed-nationality families will get special assistance from the UAE government…
Last Monday, Qatari nationals were given 14 days to leave the UAE amid a growing diplomatic rift between Qatar and several GCC nations.
The UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt and Bahrain have severed ties with Qatar based on claims it supports terrorist groups and is courting Iran, Gulf Business reports, with Qatari nationals no longer allowed to enter the UAE.
However, what does this mean for Qataris married to Emiratis and living in the UAE?
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That’s something that HH Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, has addressed with his latest directive.
The ruler instructed “authorities concerned to take into consideration the humanitarian circumstances of Emirati-Qatari joint families in recognition of the brotherly Qatari people”, official news agency WAM reported.
Subsequently, the UAE Ministry of Interior has set up a hotline – (800) 2626 – for those affected to seek assistance.
Saudi Arabia and Bahrain have done the same (the number in Saudi is +966112409111 and +97317399821 in Bahrain).
The move highlights “the UAE’s commitment to the well being of the brotherly Qatari people”, WAM stated.
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Saudi, UAE and Bahrain have shut their embassies in Doha and cut all air and land links with the country, as well as shutting down their in-country offices for Qatar Airways.
The UAE has also blocked the Qatar Airways website, meaning anyone affected by the ban on the airline travelling through Saudi, the UAE and Bahrain must contact the call centre on +974 4023 0072.
Emirates Post Group has suspended all postal services to Qatar from the UAE, with all items yet to be delivered to be returned to sender (with postal fees refunded).
Qatar revealed on Saturday that nationals of the three GCC nations which have severed ties will be allowed to remain in the country.
Qatar’s Ministry of Interior said there was no change in policy toward the nationals of “brotherly and friendly countries which cut or reduced diplomatic relations”, according to state news agency QNA.
Image: Getty
