An American woman, who had spent nearly four months in Karachi after falling in love with a Pakistani man, has been detained in Dubai after failing to board her flight to the United States.
According to sources, Onijah Andrew Robinson departed from Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport on February 7 via flight EK603 to Dubai, where she was scheduled to take EK203 to New York. However, she did not board her connecting flight and instead remained in Dubai on an on-arrival visa.
Her family in New York was expecting her arrival, but when she did not reach the US, authorities launched an inquiry. Reports suggest that after videos of her surfaced on social media, US officials contacted UAE authorities, leading to restrictions on her movement and eventual detention.
Despite being taken into protective custody, authorities face challenges in deporting her. Since she has not violated any laws and is on a valid visit visa, she cannot be forcibly removed.
Additionally, airline officials are reportedly hesitant to allow her on a 15-hour flight due to security concerns. Officials suggest that the only way forward is to convince her to board a flight voluntarily.