Indian Envoy – “Do not book tickets until things become clear”

Covishield is an approved vaccine as it is same as Astra- Zeneca

KUWAIT CITY, July 29: The Indian Ambassador to Kuwait, HE Sibi George during the Virtual Open House at the embassy premises focused on the following topics — New circular on the travel of stranded Indians; issues related to vaccination certificates and procedure to be followed for Death Registration; and Assistance from ICWF. On the ease of travel restrictions, the envoy said the embassy is in touch with the DGCA, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Health. He said according to instructions from Kuwaiti authorities there is no direct entry from India to Kuwait but through a third country, without the need for 14 days quarantine. However, those doing PCR test on arrival need not spend quarantine time if the results are negative, but “my advice is do not book tickets until things become clear,” he said.

On the issue of vaccination certificates, the ambassador clarified Covishield is an approved vaccine as it is same as Astra- Zeneca. However, travel clearance will be available on various embassy portals including how to go about the QR code, he said. The Rapid Response Team members are available 24×7 to answer queries on travel guidelines and vaccination certification registration, said the ambassador. With regards to assistance to the families of the domestic workers with low salary (less than 120 dinars) who died of Covid infection (believed to be 564) the Indian Community Support Group (ICSG) has offered to send Rs 100,000 each to the legal heir of the deceased. During the Open House two presentations were made — Kamal Singh Rathore, First Secretary and Fahad Suri, First Secretary and spokesperson of the Embassy on ease of travel restrictions and vaccination certificate respectively. This was followed by a question and answer session.