The refugees waved as they boarded the flight to be reunited with their families who had made it to the UK. EPA
The refugees waved as they boarded the flight to be reunited with their families who had made it to the UK. EPA
The refugees waved as they boarded the flight to be reunited with their families who had made it to the UK. EPA
The refugees waved as they boarded the flight to be reunited with their families who had made it to the UK. EPA

Europe

Coronavirus: More than 50 migrants stranded in Greece by pandemic flown to Britain

Greek PM intervenes to reunite refugee families in spite of travel restrictions

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A group of 52 refugees and asylum seekers stranded in Greece by the coronavirus pandemic flew to Britain on Monday to be reunited with their families, escaping the continued lockdown of migrant camps in the country.

The group, including 16 unaccompanied children, took off from Athens after Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis intervened personally, working with Britain’s interior ministry to make the transfer possible in spite of travel restrictions put in place because of the coronavirus pandemic. The transfer had been planned for March.

In Greece, restrictions were partly eased on May 4, and on May 10 UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson revealed the first cautious steps to take his country out of the lockdown.

"Today the lives of the people who are leaving is changing," Greece's deputy migration minister Giorgos Koumoutsakos told reporters at Athens airport. "The coronavirus was an additional procedural challenge but as you can see it was not an obstacle," he said.

Deputy Migration Minister Giorgos Koumoutsakos waved the refugees off at Athens airport. Reuters
Deputy Migration Minister Giorgos Koumoutsakos waved the refugees off at Athens airport. Reuters

Greece is trying to gradually relocate around 1,600 of the most vulnerable people living in its refugee camps to other countries in coming months.

Some 130 Greek nationals stranded in the UK because of the lockdown will be repatriated on the return flight, Greece’s migration ministry said.

Monday's group were relocated under the Dublin Treaty, an accord facilitating family reunifications if a close relative is already in the country of destination.

The refugees could be seen waving as they boarded the aircraft.

Greece on Sunday announced it was extending the strict lockdown of its migrant camps until May 21.

The draconian measures, designed to prevent potentially devastating outbreaks of the virus in the country’s overcrowded and unsanitary camps, have brought Greece’s already overstretched asylum system to a standstill and left many stranded.

Hundreds of thousands of migrants and refugees, fleeing conflict and poverty in countries like Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and Iran have arrived in Greece since 2015 seeking onward travel to other parts of Europe.

An EU-brokered deal with Turkey in March 2016 all but stopped the flow of people across the European Union’s eastern frontier, but a recent surge of violence in Syria’s nine year war led to a sharp increase in the numbers of border crossings into Greece.

Beth Gardiner-Smith, the CEO of refugee charity Safe Passage International, which supported the initiative to reunite the refugee families in the UK, said: "The British and Greek governments have shown real leadership in reuniting these families despite the travel difficulties."

The reunification flight was also supported two members of the British House of Lords, Labour peer Lord Alf Dubs and the Earl of Dundee, a Conservative with responsibility for child refugees at the Council of Europe.

"I hope it is only a start because there are other children across Europe who want to join their family in Britain under the Dublin III family reunion and there are other children who are in the Greek camps who may not have family here but also need to be helped to find safety," Lord Dubs said.

Nepalese Buddhist monks attend their class, respecting social distancing, at a monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal. EPA
Nepalese Buddhist monks attend their class, respecting social distancing, at a monastery in Kathmandu, Nepal. EPA
A man looks on as migrant laborers returning from other states, many of whom have been walking and hitchhiking travel on the back of a truck as they try to reach their native villages in Prayagraj, India. AP Photo
A man looks on as migrant laborers returning from other states, many of whom have been walking and hitchhiking travel on the back of a truck as they try to reach their native villages in Prayagraj, India. AP Photo
Protesters opposed to lockdown measures implemented to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) clash with police outside Parliament House in Melbourne, Australia. REUTERS
Protesters opposed to lockdown measures implemented to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) clash with police outside Parliament House in Melbourne, Australia. REUTERS
Pianist Rodrigo Cunha serenades from an open truck the lonely mothers in quarantine as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Sao Paulo, Brazil. REUTERS
Pianist Rodrigo Cunha serenades from an open truck the lonely mothers in quarantine as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Sao Paulo, Brazil. REUTERS
Catholic priest Reginaldo Manzotti gives Holy Communion to a woman at a drive-thru system on Mother's Day, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Curitiba, Brazil. REUTERS
Catholic priest Reginaldo Manzotti gives Holy Communion to a woman at a drive-thru system on Mother's Day, as the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) continues in Curitiba, Brazil. REUTERS
People exercice in Madrid during the hours allowed by the government to exercise, amid the national lockdown to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease. AFP
People exercice in Madrid during the hours allowed by the government to exercise, amid the national lockdown to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 disease. AFP
Members of a coronavirus testing station stand on the factory premises of the Westfleisch meat processing company in Hamm, western Germany, as all workers of the company have to be tested on the novel coronavirus after a spike in cases at their slaughterhouse. AFP
Members of a coronavirus testing station stand on the factory premises of the Westfleisch meat processing company in Hamm, western Germany, as all workers of the company have to be tested on the novel coronavirus after a spike in cases at their slaughterhouse. AFP
Members of the congregation wearing protective face masks observe social distancing as they attend a Sunday service at the Berliner Dom cathedral in Berlin. AFP
Members of the congregation wearing protective face masks observe social distancing as they attend a Sunday service at the Berliner Dom cathedral in Berlin. AFP
A manlift crane elevates relatives of elderly residents of Santo Antonio retirement house in Figueira da Foz, to allow them meeting but keeping their social distance, Portugal. AFP
A manlift crane elevates relatives of elderly residents of Santo Antonio retirement house in Figueira da Foz, to allow them meeting but keeping their social distance, Portugal. AFP
Relatives and friends of a mechanic called Roberto, who died at a hospital with symptoms of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 and did not have a wake before his burial, cry at the Milagro de Dios Cemetery in Managua. AFP
Relatives and friends of a mechanic called Roberto, who died at a hospital with symptoms of the novel coronavirus, COVID-19 and did not have a wake before his burial, cry at the Milagro de Dios Cemetery in Managua. AFP
Pastor Abednego T. Kendema offer prayers during a service at his home at Mount Barclay community, a suburb of Monrovia, Liberia. According to reports, the government of Liberia has closed down schools and the major churches have suspended services after the first two cases of COVID-19 were announced in the country. The government ordered the compulsory wearing of face masks and has extended the Stay Home order by two weeks, and proposed to reopen mosques and churches, on 17 May 2020 with restrictions. EPA
Pastor Abednego T. Kendema offer prayers during a service at his home at Mount Barclay community, a suburb of Monrovia, Liberia. According to reports, the government of Liberia has closed down schools and the major churches have suspended services after the first two cases of COVID-19 were announced in the country. The government ordered the compulsory wearing of face masks and has extended the Stay Home order by two weeks, and proposed to reopen mosques and churches, on 17 May 2020 with restrictions. EPA
A soldier takes the body temperature of residents as they queue for free rice provided by the government for those whose livelihoods are affected by the new coronavirus outbreak, at the Central Jakarta Military District Command, in Jakarta, Indonesia. AP Photo
A soldier takes the body temperature of residents as they queue for free rice provided by the government for those whose livelihoods are affected by the new coronavirus outbreak, at the Central Jakarta Military District Command, in Jakarta, Indonesia. AP Photo
Company profile

Company name: Suraasa

Started: 2018

Founders: Rishabh Khanna, Ankit Khanna and Sahil Makker

Based: India, UAE and the UK

Industry: EdTech

Initial investment: More than $200,000 in seed funding

Key findings of Jenkins report
  • Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
  • Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
  • Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
  • Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
Defence review at a glance

• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”

• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems

• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.

• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%

• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade

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Volvo ES90 Specs

Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)

Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp

Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm

On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region

Price: Exact regional pricing TBA

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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
  • Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
  • Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
  • Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
  • Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
  • Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
  • Home adaptations: Use blinds or curtains to block sunlight, avoid using ovens or stoves, and ventilate living spaces during cooler hours.
  • Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
The Sand Castle

Director: Matty Brown

Stars: Nadine Labaki, Ziad Bakri, Zain Al Rafeea, Riman Al Rafeea

Rating: 2.5/5

Sunday's games

Liverpool v West Ham United, 4.30pm (UAE)
Southampton v Burnley, 4.30pm
Arsenal v Manchester City, 7pm

The%C2%A0specs%20
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1. Fasting

2. Prayer

3. Hajj

4. Shahada

5. Zakat 

The specs

Engine: 1.5-litre 4-cylinder petrol

Power: 154bhp

Torque: 250Nm

Transmission: 7-speed automatic with 8-speed sports option 

Price: From Dh79,600

On sale: Now

Company profile

Date started: December 24, 2018

Founders: Omer Gurel, chief executive and co-founder and Edebali Sener, co-founder and chief technology officer

Based: Dubai Media City

Number of employees: 42 (34 in Dubai and a tech team of eight in Ankara, Turkey)

Sector: ConsumerTech and FinTech

Cashflow: Almost $1 million a year

Funding: Series A funding of $2.5m with Series B plans for May 2020

Our commentary on Brexit
The burning issue

The internal combustion engine is facing a watershed moment – major manufacturer Volvo is to stop producing petroleum-powered vehicles by 2021 and countries in Europe, including the UK, have vowed to ban their sale before 2040. The National takes a look at the story of one of the most successful technologies of the last 100 years and how it has impacted life in the UAE. 

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Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
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  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Specs

Engine: Duel electric motors
Power: 659hp
Torque: 1075Nm
On sale: Available for pre-order now
Price: On request

BMW M5 specs

Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor

Power: 727hp

Torque: 1,000Nm

Transmission: 8-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh650,000

Specs

Engine: 51.5kW electric motor

Range: 400km

Power: 134bhp

Torque: 175Nm

Price: From Dh98,800

Available: Now

Specs
Engine: Electric motor generating 54.2kWh (Cooper SE and Aceman SE), 64.6kW (Countryman All4 SE)
Power: 218hp (Cooper and Aceman), 313hp (Countryman)
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Global state-owned investor ranking by size

1.

United States

2.

China

3.

UAE

4.

Japan

5

Norway

6.

Canada

7.

Singapore

8.

Australia

9.

Saudi Arabia

10.

South Korea
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Dhadak 2

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While you're here
Red flags
  • Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
  • Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
  • Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
  • Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
  • Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.

Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching

Where to Find Me by Alba Arikha
Alma Books 

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Lexus LX700h specs

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Transmission: 10-speed auto

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  Engine: 2-litre or 3-litre 4Motion all-wheel-drive Power: 250Nm (2-litre); 340 (3-litre) Torque: 450Nm Transmission: 8-speed automatic Starting price: From Dh212,000 On sale: Now

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Meydan card

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AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street

The seven points are:

Shakhbout bin Sultan Street

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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.

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Moon Music

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Label: Parlophone/Atlantic

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Rating: 3/5

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HIJRA

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Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

Results

Stage seven

1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 3:20:24

2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 1s

3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 5s

General Classification

1. Tadej Pogacar (SLO) UAE Team Emirates, in 25:38:16

2. Adam Yates (GBR) Ineos Grenadiers, at 22s

3. Pello Bilbao (ESP) Bahrain-Victorious, at 48s

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