RIYADH — A flight carrying 296 passengers left for Manila from King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh on Wednesday in one of the first trips organized as part of the “Awdah” (return) initiative.

The extraordinary initiative, which is being implemented by the General Directorate of Passports (Jawazat) in cooperation with a number of relevant government agencies, aims to facilitate the travel of expatriates who have an exit and reentry visa or final exit visa to return to their countries.

Expatriates, who wish to return to their home countries amid the coronavirus outbreak, can apply seeking permission for travel through the Absher portal.

Jawazat in coordination and cooperation with the relevant authorities facilitated the departure procedures of the returnees at the airport and implemented all health precautions to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. — SG