Travellers flying from Abu Dhabi to nine countries may need to show negative Covid-19 test results before boarding flights, says Etihad Airways.
The national airline of the UAE has released a list of countries that includes Lebanon, Sri Lanka and Pakistan, in an advisory on its website.
Travel rules are changeable at the moment, so the airline recommends that anyone planning to fly to these destinations check the country requirements before travelling to Abu Dhabi airport, in order to find out if they need to present negative test results.
Those who arrive at the airport without test results when they are required may be denied boarding.
The latest update to Etihad's general travel advice expects passengers to check the rules of the destination country before flying.
Which destinations are included in Etihad's testing advisory?
- Azerbaijan
- Indonesia
- Lebanon
- Malaysia
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Seychelles
- South Korea
- Thailand
Several countries around the world now require travellers to show negative test results upon arrival. These rules are constantly being updated, and procedures may change between the time of booking a flight and the date of travel, so always double check closer to the date of your flight.
Lebanon, the Seychelles and Sri Lanka require negative test results
In Lebanon, travellers coming from countries where polymerase chain reaction testing is available, must now present negative results when they land in Beirut. They will then be tested again at Beirut-Rafik Hariri International Airport and must adhere to home quarantine until receiving their test results. At the time of writing, the rule did not apply to children under 5, but passengers should clarify this before travel.
In the Seychelles, where commercial flights are scheduled to resume on Saturday, August 1, travellers must provide proof of a negative Covid-19 test conducted within 48 hours of boarding. This only applies to visitors on a list of countries considered low to medium risk – the UAE is on this list. All other visitors cannot yet enter the Seychelles.
Sri Lanka is set to reopen to travellers on Saturday, August 1. The country has announced new tourism rules that require passengers to present negative Covid-19 test results upon arrival in Colombo.
According to the latest information from the International Air Transport Association, entry to Azerbaijan requires a negative Covid-19 test certificate issued within 48 hours of a flight. A further test is required on arrival in the country and travellers need to secure a hard copy of their results.
Similar rules are in place in Indonesia, Malaysia and Thailand, where only certain categories of foreign nationals are permitted to enter or transit.
Iata's latest update for Pakistan does not list any requirements that travellers must carry negative Covid-19 test results. Instead, it advises that "a completed International Passenger Health Declaration Form must be presented upon arrival".
Travellers flying to South Korea are required to show a negative result only if they have transited or visited specified countries, says Iata's latest update.
The National has contacted Etihad for further clarification on the situation, which is constantly changing.
Travellers can book at-home tests
Passengers flying with Etihad who need to take a PCR test before a flight can use the airline's new at-home testing facility. It is in partnership with Mediclinic and allows travellers to book an appointment for the test and receive results before travel.
UAE residents travelling to Abu Dhabi to fly with Etihad must also show a valid negative test result before crossing the border.
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
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Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
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'Unrivaled: Why America Will Remain the World’s Sole Superpower'
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What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
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What the law says
Micro-retirement is not a recognised concept or employment status under Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations (as amended) (UAE Labour Law). As such, it reflects a voluntary work-life balance practice, rather than a recognised legal employment category, according to Dilini Loku, senior associate for law firm Gateley Middle East.
“Some companies may offer formal sabbatical policies or career break programmes; however, beyond such arrangements, there is no automatic right or statutory entitlement to extended breaks,” she explains.
“Any leave taken beyond statutory entitlements, such as annual leave, is typically regarded as unpaid leave in accordance with Article 33 of the UAE Labour Law. While employees may legally take unpaid leave, such requests are subject to the employer’s discretion and require approval.”
If an employee resigns to pursue micro-retirement, the employment contract is terminated, and the employer is under no legal obligation to rehire the employee in the future unless specific contractual agreements are in place (such as return-to-work arrangements), which are generally uncommon, Ms Loku adds.
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
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Rating: 2/5
