AKIPRESS.COM - 31 citizens of Uzbekistan traveling on a Wizz Air flight from Tashkent to Abu Dhabi on November 30 were denied entry into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for unknown reasons. The incident occurred at Abu Dhabi's Sheikh Zayed International Airport, sparking concerns among passengers and drawing the attention of Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions in the UAE, Kun.uz reported.

The Embassy of Uzbekistan in Abu Dhabi and the Consulate General in Dubai have taken steps to address the situation. They are coordinating with airport authorities and relevant Emirati institutions to resolve the matter.

Reports from passengers at Sheikh Zayed Airport suggest that women, children, and the elderly were permitted to enter the UAE, while men aged 20 to 40 were detained and may face deportation. No official explanation has been provided for these actions.

One passenger recounted the ordeal to Gazeta.uz, saying: "As soon as we arrived, immigration officers pulled us aside without explanation and confiscated our passports. We waited for hours, hoping for information. Later, they began questioning us individually about our purpose of visit, and the duration of stay and collected our phone numbers. Without addressing our concerns, they forced us out. We waited for 15 hours in total."

The incident has caused distress among the affected passengers and their families, as well as raising questions about the reasons behind the entry denials. Uzbekistan’s diplomatic representatives are working to secure clarity and assistance for those involved.