‘No land travel by expats to Saudi Arabia’
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Salmi open, Abdali stays shut
KUWAIT CITY, Sept 8: Amid security measures and complete health precautions, the Salmi Border Port is working in full swing on both sides, in implementation of the Cabinet’s decision to open land ports for Gulf nationals and residents. This came into effect at the beginning of August 2021. Since then, the port has been receiving about 1,000 Gulf nationals who come to Kuwait every day during the working hours that extend 12 hours a day, while the departure movement continues around the clock, reports Al-Rai daily. In a press statement, Director of the Salmi Port administration Colonel Fahad Al-Saeed said, “There is complete mobilization and great preparations from all parties operating at the port to facilitate back-andforth movement at the port. The port receives about 1,000 travelers who come daily from the Gulf. They are received from 12 noon to 12 midnight.
However, the departure door continues to be open 24 hours a day for citizens and residents, as well as Gulf citizens. Only citizens who have been vaccinated with two doses of the COVID-19 vaccine are allowed to leave after presenting a PCR certificate”. Gulf nationals coming to the country are required to be registered on the “Healthy” app of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. They must have a printed PCR certificate, listed according to the QR barcode, in order to verify the validity of the certificate and identify its owner. Among other entry procedures are visiting the health clinic, filling out the “Kuwait Mosafer” form, and signing a pledge to adhere to home quarantine until the release of the result of the PCR test carried out by the traveler following his arrival in Kuwait”.
Regarding the departure of residents to Saudi Arabia, Al-Saeed said, “Travelers are required to have a PCR test certificate, and an entry visa, either visit or transit. However, they will not be allowed to enter the country except through airports with the exception of domestic workers who accompany their sponsors and are allowed to enter through land ports”. He appealed to all visitors who come to the country through the Salmi Port to be cautious after leaving the port and while driving on Salmi Road, as the road is currently undergoing maintenance and development work. Al-Saeed urged them to abide by the traffic laws and reduce speed to preserve the safety of lives and properties, and to avoid being exposed to serious traffic accidents.
Meanwhile, informed security sources affirmed that the Abdali Port has been closed since the beginning of last year due to the COVID-19 crisis. They revealed that all citizens and residents will not be allowed to enter the country from Iraq, as it is still among the high-risk countries. The sources indicated that the Council of Ministers has not yet issued a decision to open the Abdali Port to enter Kuwait, but the door for departure is open around the clock for Iraqis and residents only. On Salmi Road, which is witnessing development and maintenance work, a number of vehicles were observed traveling in opposite directions. Immediately, photographs of the violating vehicles were taken. Undersecretary of the Traffic Sector at the Ministry of Interior Major General Jamal Al-Sayegh expressed interest in following up the situation on the road, and ordered a patrol team to monitor the site and restore and maintain traffic order.
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