Mangaluru: In a major relief to Indian nationals returning to Kuwait, the Gulf nation on Thursday suspended its decision asking Indian passengers to produce medical certificates issued by its embassy here saying they are coronavirus free.

On March 3, Kuwait had said that passengers from 10 countries, including India, Turkey and Egypt, who fail to produce the certificates will not be allowed to enter the country.

TOI had on Thursday reported that Kuwait civil aviation authority’s decision asking Indians to mandatorily produce its embassy-approved medical certificates had triggered confusion among Indian expats.

Many Indians returned to their homes in Dakshina Kannada district after Covid-19 outbreak was confirmed in the Gulf country and holidays were declared for educational institutions till March 14.

According to sources in the Indian embassy, Kuwait suspended its decision after it learnt about the technical difficulties in implementing the order. “Since some countries are not equipped to conduct such tests, Kuwait government has decided to suspend its order,” said a circular issued by Kuwait’s directorate general of civil aviation.

Indian expats welcomed Kuwait’s decision. “We are relieved now,” said an expat who is in Mangaluru.