Dubai: At the time when thousands are fleeing from war-torn Ukraine, the United Arab Emirates has temporarily suspended a visa waiver for Ukrainian citizens, Kyiv’s embassy in the Gulf Arab state said.
The UAE’s decision came into effect on Tuesday. The embassy made the announcement taking to its official Facebook page, without providing any reason. As per the Reuters report, the Emirati authorities did not respond to any comment requests.
Speaking to Reuters in Dubai, Ukranian Anna Goncharnco slams the decision and said that she feels that this call of not letting Ukrainians enter the country is a crime. She said, “I find it actually a crime from this country (UAE) if they don’t let Ukrainians enter the country right now and require a visa. How they should get a visa at this moment, it’s impossible.”
Over 600000 people have fled from Ukraine since Russia has started invading the country. The European Union has stated that they are preparing for millions of refugees.
The UAE adopting a neutral stance has called for a ceasefire and diplomacy. It has also stated that they would provide aid assistance to Ukrainian citizens worth $5 million, state media reported.
Inna and her daughter Sonia, are on a visit to Dubai amid attending the world fair, and are worried about their friends and family at the Black Sea port city of Odessa.
“It is so terrible, so sad. We are nervous for our friends, for our family because they are there and can’t leave the country,” said Inna, who declined to give her last name.
Sonia wants to go home.
“This year I was supposed to graduate from class, now I don’t know what will happen tomorrow…Please stop the war in our country, it is so scary,” she said, speaking in English.
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