COPR in UAE and yet to land

[kathdd1]

Hi, I am a COPR holder and currently in the UAE. I am waiting for the right time to do my first landing. As of today they have announced COPR holders can officially land despite the border closure. Relieved to hear that. However the COVID situation worldwide is such a scary situation to be traveling in, especially being at airports. I have COPR validity till July. Also i'm waiting on UAE to open its airports and schedule flights to Canada. Anybody in the same boat as me? Let's connect here.

 

[danyal_13]

Hi,

Residing in UAE and counting down days for the reopening of airports as well. Fingers crossed for some positive news next week

 

[saad_im]

Hi, I am also a resident of Dubai. I had confirmed tickets to land in Calgary on 21st March.. Flights got cancelled and now waiting for KLM to give me a voucher.
CoPR valid till July. Waiting for UAE to lift travel restrictions, then will start the search for flight options as well as accommodation for 14 days mandatory isolation. Please keep us posted if you have any more info.

 

[Rahil Lakhani]

I am also from Dubai.. COPR expires on 7th July.. tickets are booked for 6th June.. hope things will get better by that time!

 

[canuck78]

Hi, I am also a resident of Dubai. I had confirmed tickets to land in Calgary on 21st March.. Flights got cancelled and now waiting for KLM to give me a voucher.
CoPR valid till July. Waiting for UAE to lift travel restrictions, then will start the search for flight options as well as accommodation for 14 days mandatory isolation. Please keep us posted if you have any more info.

Would really research whether it makes sense to permanently move to Canada if you have a job in Dubai. A short landing may be a better option for now. Canada is likely going to be in a recession and on top of that Calgary’s economy had already been struggling.

 

[saad_im]

Would really research whether it makes sense to permanently move to Canada if you have a job in Dubai. A short landing may be a better option for now. Canada is likely going to be in a recession and on top of that Calgary’s economy had already been struggling.

Thank you for the advice. You are absolutely right. But the problem is, I had already resigned from my job and was due to travel in 4 days when the travel restrictions kicked in. A short landing to validate PR does seem like a good option now. But i was really hoping to move to Canada and start my new life asap. Sadly that will have to wait courtesy of bat soup virus.

 

[danyal_13]

Heads up, Etihad published direct flight heading to Toronto on 11th May.

Anyone else heard about this?

 

[saad_im]

Haven't heard about it. Could it be one of those special repatriation flights? Because Etihad had announced partial resumption of flights starting 16th May. So this might be a special flight not for everyone to book. Not sure though

 

[danyal_13]

Got off the phone with a travel agent just now, it is indeed part of the repatriation flights but flights are open for booking via their official site/call center currently.

 

[saad_im]

Agents usually don't discourage passengers from booking even when there is a chance of flight cancellation as its in their interest. The news about May16 resumption, Etihad had mentioned *subject to UAE civil aviation authority's approval*. If restrictions aren't lifted, it might get delayed further.. I don't want to book flights for end of May with more money being stuck with airlines incase the travel ban is extended.

 

[danyal_13]

Etihad has postponed the resumption of flights from May 16th to June 16th again subject to CAA approval.

Contemplating booking the ticket for 11th May and see what happens ..

 

[saad_im]

Why would you want to risk money being stuck when the agent has told you it's a special flight?
Maybe call Etihad directly and check with them if they will allow you to board.

When is your CoPR expiring?

 

[danyal_13]

CoPR is valid till July however i’ve already resigned from my job and exceeded the grace period allowed to stay in the country. Hence, desperate to exit from here ASAP.