The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned the entry for travellers from Uganda, South Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), as part of a move to safeguard the country’s public health, over fears of the recent Ebola outbreak in Central Africa.
According to a joint statement released by the UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, the UAE has banned the issuance of new visas for nationals, from the three countries as part of the new visa and entry measures in place effective on Saturday.
“Entry to the UAE will be restricted for travellers arriving from the listed countries, including those travelling via transit through other countries” the statement reads.
UAE authorities further noted that entry, will only be permitted for travellers who have spent more than 21 days outside the listed countries before arriving in the UAE.
However, Cargo and transit flights between the UAE and the three countries will continue without disruption.
“Authorities will continue to monitor global health developments in coordination with their local and international partners, assess any potential impact on other countries, and take the necessary measures in line with approved risk assessments and health standards” the statement reads.
On Saturday, the Ministry of Health revealed that there have been a total of 19 confirmed cases, with 14 of them imported cases while five cases are Ugandans, with no new case reported. There have been a total of 13 admissions, four discharges and two deaths from imported DRC cases.
