DUBAI: The Pakistani community in Dubai is rallying to support for fellow nationals in the United Arab Emirates who have been affected by the economic slowdown resulting from the coronavirus pandemic.

The suspension of international flights last week left many Pakistanis stranded in the UAE, while shutdowns of businesses see scores of Pakistani workers without means to earn a living, as they have been laid off by their companies.

Sharjah-based teacher Ayesha Sohail, who runs a 19,400-member online group for women, UAE Fusion Socialites, said many of its followers have been sending her messages asking for help.

“Many of them are families whose breadwinners have been laid off by companies that have started downsizing. Others need help because they are here on visit visas and have been stranded,” she told Arab News.

Sohail shared the appeals for help with other members of the group who started to gather packages of food and other staples. Many others have offered to give free lodging for the stranded nationals. Since cash donations by individuals are banned in the UAE, they are not encouraged in the group.

“Since we are in isolation, we do not encourage people to come to pick up the packets. Instead, me or my husband drop the packets off at places where they can be easily accessed,” said the Karachi native who has been living in the UAE for the past 27 years. Twenty Pakistani families have already received support from the group's members.

Sohail is also offering counseling for women who need it. “These are depressing times and many people are turning to social media for guidance. Sometimes even that is not enough, so we come up with online games to keep everyone busy.”

Rizwan Fancy, director of community welfare at Pakistan Association in Dubai, said at this point the association could not run any campaigns to raise funds. “We are offering Dh300-worth vouchers to be used to buy essential items for those in need on a case-to-case basis,” he said.

They are also trying to support Pakistani children whose UAE schools have shifted to online learning.

“Since schools are now shut and children have to carry on learning from homes, it is important for them to have laptops to be connected, but unfortunately not everyone has them. So we are looking at cases individually and trying our best to provide them with whatever is possible,” he said. Until now, 10 laptops have been donated.

The Consulate General of Pakistan, with the help of community members, is also distributing food rations to those in need.

In a statement, the consulate said that those who want to help or know of any nationals who require assistance can contact the mission on WhatsApp 00971-56-3962911 or email: [email protected].