The United Arab Emirates extended the suspension of entry for travelers from India “on all flights on national and foreign carriers, as well as for transit passengers coming from India, with the exception of transit flights traveling to the UAE and bound for India,” the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation announced. 

Travelers who were in India in the 14-day period prior to arrival in the UAE are also banned from entering the country. 

“Flights between the two countries will continue to allow the transport of passengers from the UAE to India and the transfer of exempted groups from India to the UAE who have applied for exemption,” the statement said.

The decision is motivated by the recent surge in COVID-19 cases affecting India. As of May 3, 2021, India recorded 357,316 new cases of the COVID-19 virus with a total caseload crossing 20 million infected locals, while the death rate rose by more than 3,449 casualties to a total of 222,408.

The Ministry did not specify an end date for the ban, initially announced on April 22, 2021.