Human rights groups urged Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates to lift bans on free internet calls to help their large migrant workforces stay in touch during the coronavirus pandemic, AFP reported.

“This has caused serious problems for the people living in those countries, especially the majority of migrant workers and foreign national residents who need to connect and communicate with their families and communities overseas,” the rights groups said.

In response to the pandemic, the UAE and Oman have relaxed restrictions on some calling apps but on a temporary basis.