Overseas Pakistanis unhappy with COVID-19 test demand

Overseas Pakistanis unhappy with COVID-19 test demand

Abdul Basit

Overseas Pakistanis especially labour class in the UAE is not happy with the decision of Pakistan government for a prior negative test of COVID-19 before travelling to Pakistan and says it's an additional financial burden.

The test costs Dh150, and there is another fee of Dh70 for getting a ‘COVID-19 Clearance Certificate' which is needed for travellers.

Ten days ago, the Government of Pakistan had announced that travellers from the UAE and other Gulf countries, excluding Saudi Arabia, to Pakistan would need a negative Covid-19 test result from October 5.

It is mentioned that passengers will need to take the test within 96 hours of the travel date. It is added that those aged less than