Maybe the rumour stems from the recent CARS amendment effective Jan 1.
AMC3 to 1.1120(d): for all operator conducting Long rangeoperations (LRO)
Operations Manual
The Operations Manual shouldcontain specific instructions to ensure that the flight meets the following requirements:
(a) LRO Pre-flight and In-flight Rest Planning
A scheme shouldbe established to provide guidance to the crew on the expected pre-flight preparations
and in-flight rest to be taken. Flight crew are to be appropriately rested for the LRO flight.
(b) LRO pre-flight Rostering Requirements:
Prior to operating a LRO flight or a LRO Standby departing UAE, all crew members shouldbe scheduled for 02 days off including 03 local nights of rest in base.
(c) LRO Flight Rest Period Away from Base
In the LRO Rostered Duty Assignment, the scheduled period free of flying duties away from base shouldbe at least 48 hours.
(d) Post LRO Rostered Duty Assignment Rest At Base Before embarking on the Next Flight:
All crewmembers should be scheduled for a minimum of 2 days off including 03 local nights of rest in base upon completion of a LRO pairing followed by any other duty or a LRO pairing.
(e) Each crew member shouldnot be rostered more than 02 LRO Pairings/calendar month.
(f) Cabin crew shouldbe provided with a minimum in flight rest period of (3 1/2) hours for any LRO flight.