“We can take care of our flights” Cameroonians wishing to return from Dubai say

Days back, the government said it was repatriating over 600 Cameroonians stuck abroad due to the lockdown caused by the coronavirus pandemic. It later called on those in the United Arab Emirates listing rules by which they must abide to make it back home.

Among them, is a compulsory covid-19 test on arrival as well as respect of quarantine rules.

Still, not all will be lucky to return. Divine (not real name) says he and many other Cameroonians stuck in the UAE will likely not be returning home anytime soon.

“We have contacted the consulate here in Dubai and they told us the repatriation is not for everyone. It is only for those that have a tourist visa” he says.

With a pregnant wife, Divine says the plan was for her to put to birth in Cameroon “but now the borders are not open and things are not the best” he regrets.

“There are a lot of Cameroonians here that have been blocked and we wish a flight could be offered for us to return home, we can take care of our flights” Divine pleads.

Since the start of the lockdown instituted in March by the Prime Minister, close to a thousand Cameroonians have been repatriated. The challenge has always been at the level of the airport and quarantine center, with many often buying their way out or escaping.

There are currently over a thousand coronavirus cases in Cameroon.

Mimi Mefo Info