Consulate in Dubai to remain open on weekends, public holidays

Our Correspondent

The Consulate General of India in Dubai will remain open on weekends and public holidays from August 1, said the new Consul-General Dr Aman Puri. He was heading the Indian mission in Birmingham, the United Kingdom, before taking charge as the Consul-General of Dubai.

“Starting August 1 to December 31, the consulate will remain open from 8am to 10 am on holidays. Unlike an open house, consular services will be made available for those in need of emergency requirements such as passport renewal for emergency travel, and so on,” said Dr Puri.

This in view of the current circumstances on account of the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Indian diplomat who officially took charge of the consulate in Dubai on July 19 after the departure of his predecessor Vipul on July 11. Hence, consulate services will be available on all days of the week, including weekends and public holidays. However, he said the decision to keep the consulate open all days of the week is subject to review, depending on the situation.

He said, “We feel that the coming days are going to be tough and people may need our support. However, this is not something new. Our colleagues at posts and missions (Indian) have always come forward in support of distressed Indians. Given our community here in Dubai is large, the needs here are large as well.”

“As a priority, we will continue to support the stranded Indians to Dubai to return home. So far, the consulate has repatriated 170,000 Indians from Dubai and the Northern Emirates,” said Dr. Puri.

Out of the 170,000, as many as 40,000 took the Vande Bharat Mission repatriation flights, while 130,000 used chartered flights arranged by private companies and community groups. “We have the largest numbers from anywhere in the world. However, the pressure has gone down as the immediate needs of people wishing to travel have been addressed,” the diplomat said.

“The flights are continuing to operate. Furthermore, the Government of India has also liberalised travel from different countries into India, and we are hoping to have more progress in the coming days,” he said.