publish time

10/01/2022

author name Arab Times

publish time

10/01/2022

KUWAIT CITY, Jan 10 : Kuwait along, with other Gulf countries, has been battling the coronavirus and its strains with protective measures and vaccinations. The pandemic was first reported in the heart of China in late 2019. It had soon spilled over to most countries of the globe. Later on, it mutated into various strains, latest of which was the dreaded, fast moving Omicron. The Republic of Germany has issued a list of 40 countries which make the ‘red list’, including five Arab countries, reports Al-Rai daily. The list of red countries include Kuwait, in addition to the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Mauritania, Australia, France, Estonia, Iceland, Sweden and others.

The daily said starting from Sunday, those coming from Kuwait must have a strong reason or must have been fully vaccinated, pointing out that the decision about allowing people to enter Germany will be looked at on individual case basis according to the nature of the case by the competent German authorities upon arrival at the airport or the German border.

The new procedures require those coming from these countries from the age of 6 years and over to submit a negative test result, proof of vaccination, or proof of recovery before entering Germany. Meanwhile, the German Ambassador to Kuwait, HE Stefan Mobbs, has expressed his admiration and congratulated Kuwait for its success in combating the Corona epidemic during difficult times in light of the difficult beginning, pointing out that Kuwait has shown its steadfastness and determination to fight the virus.

The German envoy told the media, “I considered it a right decision by the Kuwaiti government to call on Kuwaiti citizens from Germany and other European countries to return home (Kuwait), as we cannot win at the global level unless we cooperate.” He added, in light of the high numbers of Omicron infections in Kuwait, Germany decided to allow entry only to travelers who have been fully vaccinated (or those with very urgent medical cases), noting that the German embassy in Kuwait will remain open and adhere to the strict regulations of the Kuwaiti government such as wearing masks, maintaining social distancing and other health protocols. He explained, the embassy has no influence on the decision of the German authorities that it will take at the entry points