KUWAIT: The second phase of Kuwait's operation to bring back citizens who remained abroad amid the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis kicked off yesterday. Kuwait Airways and Jazeera Airways aircrafts arrived from Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Riyadh yesterday, carrying citizens stranded in different countries around the world.

His Highness the Prime Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah, on Saturday, visited Kuwait International Airport to inspect preparation for repatriation of Kuwaiti nationals. His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled's inspection of the airport came in line with guidelines and directives set by His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah.

Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled was accompanied by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Interior, and Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs Anas Al-Saleh, Minister of Health Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah, Minister of State for Services Affairs and Minister of State for National Assembly Affairs Mubarak Al-Harees.

Also present were Chairman of the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) Sheikh Salman Al-Humoud Al-Sabah, top officials from the Interior, Foreign, and Health ministries, in addition to representatives and executive of other entities. During his inspection, His Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled was briefed about the upcoming operations to receive the repatriates and conduct medical tests upon their arrival.

Officials reporting to His Highness the Prime Minister affirmed readiness to receive repatriated nationals as part of Kuwait's plan to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled expressed his satisfaction over the preparations to receive Kuwaitis from abroad and reflected his trust and support to all those involved in the safe repatriation of Kuwaiti citizens.

Sheikh Dr Basel Al-Sabah affirmed meanwhile that personnel were prepared to receive Kuwaiti citizens repatriating from abroad. Furthermore, he affirmed necessity of adherence to health conditions and procedures to ensure safe return of the citizens from abroad.

All available resources have been placed at disposal of the returning citizens, he said, affirming that top health care would be given to those who would be quarantined, warning authorities would not be lenient with anyone who may breach the health precautions during the operation. - KUNA