Doha: The air bubble travel arrangement between India-Qatar has been extended until December 31. However, only travel from India to Qatar is permitted now. Transit journeys onward, especially to European countries, are not permitted.

The extension comes as a relief to the many Qatari expatriates living in India. Currently, air bubble travel is being serviced by Qatar Airways, Air India Express and IndiGo.

However, only Qatari expatriates who receive an exceptional re-entry permit from the Interior Ministry are allowed to return to Qatar. Returnees must also meet the quarantine requirements of the Ministry of Public Health.

Qatar had made the exceptional re-entry permit mandatory on August 1. They allow for people holding residential documents, but who are stranded in other nations due to the pandemic, to travel to Doha.

Travellers are advised to register on the Qatari government portal. The link to apply is: https://portal.www.gov.qa/wps/portal/qsports/home

Qatari nationals and Indians with Qatari visas are allowed to travel from India to Qatar. Returnees must also meet the quarantine requirements of the Ministry of Public Health.

The agreement for flights between India and Qatar were initiated on July 18 to facilitate the return journey of expatriates after flight travel was suspended in the aftermath of COVID outbreak.

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