‘We are fed up’
Kuwaiti actress Hayat Al Fahad is facing some backlash over comments she made about expatriates living in the country amidst the coronavirus pandemic.
Speaking with a local television station, the 71-year-old called for expats to be expelled from Kuwait during the COVID-19 outbreak.
“We are fed up,” she said. “If we get sick, there are no hospitals [for us].
“Why, if their countries do not want them, should we deal with them? Aren’t people supposed to leave during crises?”
The actress, who has starred in many roles in a series of different Arabic dramas, then suggested the expats be sent out to “the desert”.
“We should send them out… put them in the desert,” she said. “I am not against humanity, but we have reached a stage where we’re fed up.”
However, the Kuwaiti star’s comments have been met with some criticism, branding the comments “heartless”.
Famous Kuwaiti actress, Hayat Al-Fahad calls to send expats with #COVID19 back to their home countries. It is worth noting that Al-Fahad is originally Iraqi, and has an Iraqi and a Lebanese ex-husbands, and expats represent 70% of Kuwait’s population. #حياة_الفهد https://t.co/SnoDZDj24B
— Zeidon Alkinani زيدون الكناني (@z_alkinani) April 1, 2020
Wow… Hayat Al Fahad needs to have a word with herself. What a moronic and heartless thing to say. Kuwait pretty much runs on expatriate labour. https://t.co/9YF9neYoLY
— ✍️ Rachel McArthur (@raychdigitalink) April 1, 2020
Ironically, as one person noted, the comments came just as His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan teared up at expats’ support for healthcare workers and initiatives taken in the UAE during the COVID-19 crisis.
Meanwhile Sheikh Mohamed is tearing up at expats sharing the love here. I feel well looked after here.
— Caitlyn Davey (@Cait_12) April 1, 2020
Kuwait, like the UAE, has taken strict measures in order to curb the spreading of coronavirus. The nation has had 317 confirmed cases of the virus so far.
As for the UAE there has been 814 confirmed cases — 61 have recovered, eight have been fatal.
More on coronavirus:
- Apps UAE authorities recommend you download amid the coronavirus pandemic
- Coronavirus UAE: New rules to adhere to when in taxis and on public transport
- The vast difference in the skies due to coronavirus
Images: Instagram
