UAE Ministry investigates 'ill-treatment' of Emiratis at Georgia airports

It is said a number of Emiratis were forced to turn back to the UAE as a result, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Emiratis can enter Georgia without a visa for 90 days in any 180-day period. Sophie Ibbotson
Powered by automated translation

UAE citizens were subjected to ill-treatment at an airport in Georgia and were forced to turn back to the Emirates as a result, according to reports on social media.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it is following up on the reports.

"The Ministry, along with the UAE Embassy in Tbilisi, are seriously monitoring the issue and giving it great consideration," it said on Saturday.

"The Ministry is following up the conditions of the UAE citizens in Georgia and is working to provide them with all the care and services they need during their presence in Georgia."

No further details were released.

_______________

Read more

_______________

According to Arabic-language newspaper Al Bayan, the family said they had "completed entry procedures" at Tbilisi International Airport when Georgian security officers took them aside.

The officers searched the family's luggage at the baggage belt and led them to a passport control office where they were allegedly told they would have to return to the UAE, despite having proof of their hotel booking and health insurance. The family were held in a "badly ventilated and poorly air-conditioned" bus before they were allowed to board a plane to the Emirates, reported Al Bayan.

They said they had been treated badly and the children were aggressively searched, causing them distress.

Emiratis can enter Georgia without a visa for 90 days in any 180-day period. Expatriates living in the UAE with a valid residency visa can also travel to Georgia visa-free for the same period of time.

Citizens should register with the Twajudi Service to obtain further travel advice and instructions, said the Ministry. In the event of an emergency they should contact the department on +995595666466 or the Ministry call centre on 80044444.