More than 30 Uzbek citizens arriving at Abu Dhabi International Airport on November 30 were detained by border officials in the United Arab Emirates (U.A.E.).
Passengers on Wizz Air flight 5W7160 from Tashkent reported that the detentions affected approximately 60 individuals, primarily men aged 20 to 40, traveling for various purposes, including tourism, business, and family visits.
The detainees alleged significant violations of their rights. They said they were held in the airport for over 15 hours without food, water, or free access to restrooms. Their passports were confiscated without explanation, and they were later moved to a basement facility with poor conditions.
A Wizz Air spokesperson stated that this was the first incident of its kind since the visa-free regime between Uzbekistan and the U.A.E. was introduced on February 16, 2024. The spokesperson emphasized that entry decisions are made by border authorities, not the airline.
Most of those detained were forced to purchase return tickets at their own expense. Some passengers reported substantial financial losses, including costs for tickets to cultural and sporting events in the U.A.E.
The Uzbek Embassy in the U.A.E. confirmed that 31 nationals were detained «for unknown reasons.» Diplomats said they are in discussions with airport authorities and relevant Emirati agencies. According to the embassy, detainees were provided with three meals a day and access to medical assistance. The embassy added that it is taking all possible measures to resolve the situation.
The mass detentions come in the wake of a recent murder in the U.A.E. of Israeli Rabbi Tzvi Kogan, in which three Uzbek nationals are suspected.
