Ambassador Said T. Jawad

Ambassador of the I.R. of Afghanistan to the Court of St James and Ireland

A Message and Guideline

on the Coronavirus Pandemic

Updated Monday 06 April 2020

Dear Compatriots,

My Afghans in the UK and Ireland,

“It is time to spread solidarity, awareness, and love more widely than the novel coronavirus”.

The Embassy of the I.R. of Afghanistan in London is concerned about the health and safety of every one of you in the UK & Ireland and support the control measures that have been introduced by the British and Irish governments for our shared safety. We are confident that we will overcome these trying situation by austerely following the health guidelines, and continuing to offer love, care, and support to each other in our community. I know that throughout this unsettling time you are there for each other, and I appreciate that. I assure you that the Embassy is at your service; though, we regret that our ability to serve you is curtailed by UK and Irish safety regulations.

We ask you to stay in contact with us via our digital platforms:

  1. We Regret that Our Ability to Serve You is Curtailed:

For your safety, the safety of our staff, and in compliance with the guidelines of the UK and Irish governments the Embassy has been forced to:

  • Limit its consular services to handling urgent matters only.  
  • Online appointments are put on hold. For inquiries contact us at consulate@afghanistanembassy.org.uk.
  • In case ofemergencies call:  +44 7535 511 452 & +44 7828 403 401
  • Please Take COVID-19 Very Seriously
  1. Your health and safety remain our first concern and priority. Therefore, we highly recommend you to strictly follow the safety and health guidelines provided by the government of the United Kingdom, Ireland, Afghanistan, and the WHO.
  2. Do not leave home, unless absolutely necessary.
  3. Do not visit shops, family and friends.
  4. Do not stockpile large amount of groceries, consider seniors and underprivileged. 
  5. Pray at home.
  6. Wash your hands regularly for 20 seconds with soap and water and use hand sanitiser.
  7. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve when you cough or sneeze.
  8. Do not touch your eyes, nose or mouth.
  9. Keep 6ft distance. “Remember 6ft away or 6ft under”!
  10. Stay informed. Visit the links below or call for reliable information on Covid-19:

In UK:

In Ireland:

In Afghanistan:

  • General Hotline:  166 (Coronavirus Information Centre)
  • Price Control:  199 (Police)
  • Curfew and lockdown violations:  155 (Kabul Municipality)
  • Urgent medical help:  102 (Kabul Ambulance).
  1. If You Contract the Virus

Many people infected with COVID-19 virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring any special treatment. Older people, and those with underlying medical conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic respiratory disease, and cancer are more likely to develop serious illness. Should you display symptoms, please:

  1. Stay home: Do not leave, except to get medical care. Do not visit public areas.
  2. Do not visit your local GP, Call Emergency numbers:
  1. in UK call: NHS 111
  2. in Ireland call: 1850 241 850
  3. in Afghanistan call: 169
  4. Self-isolate: stay in a specific “sick room” and away from other people in your home.
  1. Please Stay Put and Follow the Guidelines by Afghanistan, UK and Ireland
  • Do not travel unless absolutely necessary. Worldwide most airports and borders are closed, and quarantine measures are in place.
  • Travelling in and out of Afghanistan is becoming very difficult. Commercial airlines suspended their flights in and out of Afghanistan.
  • Dubai: All inbound and outbound flights from UAE suspended.
  • Passengers who have been in Afghanistan arenot allowed to enter Tajikistan or Turkmenistan.
  • Flights to Uzbekistan are suspended.
  • Turkish Airlines suspended flights.
  •  Kam Air has also stopped all flights to Istanbul.
  • Crossing points between Afghanistan and Pakistan has been temporarily closed, however, uncontrolled crossings from Pakistan and Iran continue to contribute to the spread of coronavirus.
  • All air travel to and from Iran has been temporarilybanned.
  • India closed all international and domestic commercial flights until 14 April 2020.
  • For current travel restrictions and airline operations refer to the website of:
  • Emirates Air
  • Turkish Airlines
  • Kam Air
  • Air India
  • Uzbek Air
  • International Air Transport Association website.
  • UK government travel advice.
  • Irish government travel advice.
  • Stay Active in Quarantine
  1. Use technology to stay connected with friends here or relatives in Afghanistan – host a virtual weekly forum with friends and family.
  2. Share an inspiring poem, a funny photo or quote every day with someone you love here or in Afghanistan.
  3. Exercise at home.
  4. Write a journal.
  5. Help the most vulnerable in your Afghan community or in Afghanistan.
  6. Engage in activities that make you happy and help you relax.
  7. Keep your normal working routine if possible. Sleep better, but not more.
  8. Create a new routine while working from home.
  9. Turn off the TV and limit your news consumption.
  10. listen to the music, read poetry.
  11. Volunteer if your healthy.
  12. Read a new book; re-read a book you love.  There are a number of free online sites that you can download excellent Pashto, Farsi and English books.
  13. Teach your children Pashto and Farsi.
  • Stay Informed About your Visa and Immigration Issues

Ireland

Everybody with immigration permissions which expire between 20 March 2020 and 20 May 2020 are automatically renewed for a period of 2 months. International students will be considered to have met their attendance requirement for the shutdown period.  Check the latest at Department of Justice and Equality Immigration Service:

Information about automatic renewal of immigration permits:

United Kingdom

If you are in the UK and your leave expires between 24 January 2020 and 31 May 2020. Your visa will be extended to 31 May 2020 if you cannot leave the UK because of travel restrictions or self-isolation related to coronavirus (COVID-19). You must contact the Coronavirus Immigration Team (CIT) to update your records if your visa is expiring. All advice, instructions for applying, and contact details for visa customers and applicants in the UK, and visa customers outside of the UK affected by travel restrictions associated with coronavirus can be found here:

Stay home, stay healthy, positive and productive!