Skip to main content

Portugal and UAE blast 'illogical' traffic light update

Government
Will Payne
4 June 2021

Officials in Portugal and the UAE have voiced their concerns and dismay over the UK government’s latest traffic light update on Thursday (3 June).

The traffic light system has now been dismantled after being in operation since 17 May (credit benn-mcguinness-34oZS8nstfI-unsplash)

The update, announced by transport secretary Grant Shapps, saw Portugal move from the UK government’s green list to the amber list, meaning arrivals from Portugal will – from 4am on Tuesday (8 June) – have to quarantine for 10 days.

The UAE, meanwhile, remains on the UK government’s red list, which means arrivals from the emirates will have to complete 10 days self-isolation at a government-appointed hotel quarantine facility.

In a tweet, Portugal’s foreign ministry said it could not "understand the logic" behind the decision. "Portugal is continuing its easing of its lockdown, prudently and gradually, with clear rules for the safety of those who reside here or visit us."