As from June 1st, holders of valid resident visas who are stranded abroad due to current travel restrictions will be allowed to return to the United Arab Emirates. This news comes as a relief for many of them who have been waiting to reunite with their families.
The announcement was made earlier this week by the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in collaboration with the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. However, a new application has to be made in compliance with measures put in place by local authorities to contain the spread of COVID-19. The aim, above all, is to allow these foreign nationals to reunite with their families who have remained in the United Arab Emirates. You will recall that on March 19, when the borders were closed, the country had announced the suspension of entry visas as a precautionary measure.
The process is quite simple. You just have to register on the “Residents' Entry Permit” service. Foreign nationals who are planning to return via Emirates Airlines and Etihad Airlines, however, have to apply through the UAE Twajudi Resident online service set up by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to the protocol, all arrivals will be tested for COVID-19. Note that during the past few weeks, only those employed in essential services, as well as teachers, pregnant women and children have been allowed to return under special circumstances. However, the UAE recently announced the extension of all visas expiring on March 1 until the end of December 2020.
