TOWIE’s Yazmin Oukhellou and James Lock atest reality stars to flee Tier 4 Essex for Dubai

Yazmin Oukhellou and James Lock have become the latest reality stars to jet to Dubai and escape strict Tier 4 regulations for ‘business purposes’.

The TOWIE stars’ getaway comes amid mounting fury over influencers and reality stars ‘bending rules’ to jet abroad while the UK remains in a partial lockdown.

On Tuesday Yazmin, 26, addressed criticism over their trip by explaining the break was for work, because she is launching a new business in Dubai next year.

Work trip: Yazmin Oukhellou and James Lock have become the latest reality stars to jet to Dubai and escape strict Tier 4 regulations for ‘business purposes’

She told fans: ‘Just so those of you know, me and James have come to Dubai because I am launching something very exciting here in the New Year, so I’ve had to come now to get everything set up and we will be keeping you posted.’

‘So we are here for work purposes, for business. Obviously we’ll make the most of it while we’re here as well. But we are here for business purposes.’ 

UK guidelines state that in Tier 4 you are only allowed to travel abroad for work purposes while travelling for pleasure is currently banned. 

Yazmin stayed true to her words as moments later she shared clips of herself and James topping up their tans while lying on sun loungers.

Furore: The TOWIE stars' getaway comes amid mounting fury over influencers and reality stars 'bending rules' to jet abroad while the UK remains in a partial lockdown

Furore: The TOWIE stars’ getaway comes amid mounting fury over influencers and reality stars ‘bending rules’ to jet abroad while the UK remains in a partial lockdown

Explaining herself: On Tuesday Yazmin, 26, addressed criticism over their trip by explaining the break was for work, because she is launching a new business in Dubai next year

Explaining herself: On Tuesday Yazmin, 26, addressed criticism over their trip by explaining the break was for work, because she is launching a new business in Dubai next year

Explaining herself: On Tuesday Yazmin, 26, addressed criticism over their trip by explaining the break was for work, because she is launching a new business in Dubai next year

The reality personality showcased her stunning figure in a tonal brown Fendi bikini, which highlighted her washboard and and surgically-enhanced assets.

Meanwhile, James showed off his muscular torso in a pair of swimming shorts and shielded his eyes from the sun with a pair of reflective shades.

Despite proving they had received negative covid tests to enter the country for their work trip, fans were still left unimpressed by their actions.

In response to a follower who pointed out that she shouldn’t be travelling out of tier four, Yazmin wrote: ‘We’re working out here not that I need to disclose my business.’ 

None of your business! In response to a follower who pointed out that she shouldn't be travelling out of tier four, Yazmin wrote: 'We're working out here not that I need to disclose my business'

None of your business! In response to a follower who pointed out that she shouldn’t be travelling out of tier four, Yazmin wrote: ‘We’re working out here not that I need to disclose my business’

Not happy! Despite proving they had received negative covid tests to enter the country for their work trip, fans were still left unimpressed by their actions

Not happy! Despite proving they had received negative covid tests to enter the country for their work trip, fans were still left unimpressed by their actions

Not happy! Despite proving they had received negative covid tests to enter the country for their work trip, fans were still left unimpressed by their actions

Travelling to Dubai from the UK: what are the rules?

  • As of Sunday 20th December, if you live in a Tier 4 area, you can only travel internationally – or within the UK – where you first have a legally permitted reason to leave home 
  • If you live outside a Tier 4 area you may still transit into or through a Tier 4 area to travel abroad if you need to, but you should carefully consider whether you need to do so   
  • In addition, you should follow the public health advice in the country you’re visiting and should look at the rules in place at your destination and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) travel advice
  • UK residents currently abroad do not need to return home immediately. However, you should check with your airline or travel operator on arrangements for returning
  • For foreign nationals, if you are a resident in a Tier 4 area you are subject to the ‘Stay at Home’ regulations.
  • You should not travel abroad unless it is permitted If you are visiting the UK and are in a Tier 4 area, you may return home
  • You should check whether there are any restrictions in place at your destination
  • Dubai is one of around ten countries which are now welcoming Brits without a quarantine on either side
  • Visitors must be required to fill out a ‘health declaration’ form and provide valid health insurance on arrival
  • Brits must present a negative PCR test result from within the past 96 hours, or take a test at the airport

 

However one person believed that Yazmin did owe it to her followers to explain why she was breaching rules to travel, and wrote: “not that I need to disclose my business” you plaster your life and “business” all over the internet each day.’

‘You are an influencer; that’s your job and business, influencing people’s decisions! Surely you understand that!? Oh but you want to pick and choose when people comment on it or follow your actions!?

‘You are correct you can leave Tier 4 for work. Just say that! Because it is you that has chosen to make your life very much other people’s business!’ 

However one person believed that Yazmin did owe it to her followers to explain why she was breaching rules to travel, and wrote: "not that I need to disclose my business" you plaster your life and "business" all over the internet each day'

However one person believed that Yazmin did owe it to her followers to explain why she was breaching rules to travel, and wrote: “not that I need to disclose my business” you plaster your life and “business” all over the internet each day’

Another person wrote: ‘Technically any influencer can go to Dubai take a few photos and claim it’s work. Canny little loophole!’ 

A different follower penned: ‘Why are all the influencers going to Dubai.’

While a fourth wrote: ‘Another Tier 4 person ignoring the government advice oh I’m working, seeing family comes under working now.’

Another said: ‘Well I don’t care who or why you are travelling Tier 4 means you can’t travel. I know other people are using work so they can break rules.

‘Good thing we don’t all flounce the rules for work, or what a mess we would be in, oops forgot we are in a mess!’

Referencing Yazmin’s claims that she was on a working holiday, one said: ‘Of course you are, that’s the perfect excuse.’ 

Supportive: Not everyone was against the couple's decision, as one person said as long as they had a negative coronavirus test they didn't see the issue with travel

Supportive: Not everyone was against the couple’s decision, as one person said as long as they had a negative coronavirus test they didn’t see the issue with travel

Not everyone was against the couple’s decision, as one person said as long as they had a negative coronavirus test they didn’t see the issue with travel.

While another person replied and said: ‘Exactly!’

One follower sent Yazmin a series of heart emojis and another wrote: ‘Safe travels.’

One person wished them well, and said: ‘Hope you can get home before they stop the flights in and out of the UK x’ 

Open wide! The day before their arrival Yazmin had shared clips of herself and boyfriend James getting a home test done, as they tagged the name of the company in the post

Open wide! The day before their arrival Yazmin had shared clips of herself and boyfriend James getting a home test done, as they tagged the name of the company in the post

Open wide! The day before their arrival Yazmin had shared clips of herself and boyfriend James getting a home test done, as they tagged the name of the company in the post

Testing: Yazmin also shared a clip of herself receiving the test

Testing: Yazmin also shared a clip of herself receiving the test

The day before their arrival Yazmin had shared clips of herself and boyfriend James getting a home test done, as they tagged the name of the company in the post.

She also posted the result of the test on her story and promoted the company, admitting they had ‘quick results’ following the test.

Giving followers a glimpse into her travels, Yazmin shared a picture of her and James stood in front of a taxi and her first class travel to Dubai. 

Fellow reality star Malin Anderson came under fire earlier this week as she jetted to Dubai for a holiday despite the introduction of Tier 4 rules. 

Negative: She also posted the result of the test on her story and promoted the company, admitting they had 'quick results' following the test

Negative: She also posted the result of the test on her story and promoted the company, admitting they had 'quick results' following the test

Negative: She also posted the result of the test on her story and promoted the company, admitting they had ‘quick results’ following the test

Luxury living: Giving followers a glimpse into her travels, Yazmin shared a picture of her and James stood in front of a taxi and her first class travel to Dubai

Luxury living: Giving followers a glimpse into her travels, Yazmin shared a picture of her and James stood in front of a taxi and her first class travel to Dubai