On 3 August, the UAE permitted residents stranded in India, Pakistan, Nigeria and other countries to fly back home. The new rule came into effect from 5 August. As per the latest update, expats returning to the UAE need not have a vaccination certificate. On 22 August, FlyDubai announced that travelers with passports issued in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Nigeria, Sri Lanka or Uganda can enter Dubai with tourist visas. However, they can do so only if have not entered or visited these countries in the last 14 days.
Flydubai on 23 August said that Dubai residents stranded outside the country will have their residence visas extended by six months.
Visa On Arrival Suspended For The Time Being
People who can travel to the UAE from India include UAE citizens, golden visa holders, silver visa holders, fully vaccinated residents, healthcare personnel, students, education sector personnel, federal government workers or diplomats. Those travelling for medical reasons will also be permitted entry. Earlier, UAE had started issuing visa-on-arrival for Indian nationals with a UK or EU residency permit or a US visitor visa or green card. But now, the UAE has temporarily suspended the visa-on-arrival facility for passengers from India or those who have transited through India in the last 14 days.
Travellers need to show a negative COVID-19 certificate not older than 48 hours from departure. There must be a QR code linked to the original report. An RT-PCR test has to be taken at the departure airport within 6 hours from departure. Another RT-PCR test has to be taken on arrival. UAE nationals will be exempted from the first two RT-PCR tests.
Also read: UAE Lifts Ban On Flights From India & 4 Other Countries; Stranded Residents Can Now Return
How Can I Check If My UAE Resident Visa Is Valid?
Dubai residents can check their visa status using their passport and Emirates ID numbers on the official website. In case you reside in other emirates, other than Dubai, you can check your visa status here. Residents can check their visa status using their passport or Emirates ID numbers.
What Can I Do If I Have Stayed Outside The UAE For More Than 6 Months?
As a general rule, the resident visa of UAE residents who live outside UAE for more than six months continuously will be automatically nullified. In this case, residents will have to apply for a new permit. However, in a recent update, Dubai-based carrier Flydubai said on its website that the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) has extended the validity of residence visa for visas for nationals of India, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Nigeria and Uganda who are stranded abroad. The visa validity has now been extended until November 10, 2021, the Flydubai said.
The new rule applies to Dubai-issued UAE resident visas which have expired or will expire between April 20, 2021 and November 9, 2021.
However, visas of UAE residents with Dubai-issued residence visas who have stayed outside the country for more that six months will not be extended. This means that the visas of residents who left UAE before October 20, 2020 will not be extended. Expats stuck abroad can check their visa status by clicking here.
What Documents Do I Need For Filing A Re-Entry Permit?
UAE residents with expired residence visas, must reapply for a new permit. Applying for re-entry will need a supporting letter issued by their employer or sponsor, stating they are an employee of the company. The letter can be provided to the immigration officer at the airport.
Can You Apply For An Entry Permit While Abroad?
Yes. The entry permit issued by the ICA or GDRFA, permits you to enter the UAE. However, ensure you check if you need an entry permit, if not you might get it on arrival. The company or the person sponsoring the entry must handle the entry permit transaction through GDRFA’s online and offline channels. There are different types of entry permits you can apply. These include: family visit, tourism/transit, treatment, mission, attending conferences.
Once received, the entry permit will be valid only for a certain period. In most cases the permit is valid for two months. The validity of entry permits cannot be extended, they automatically expire upon the lapse of their time.
What Can I Do If My Visa Has Expired?
Those with expired resident visas will not be permitted to enter the UAE. In this case, you sponsor, relative or company must apply for a new entry permit.
Can I Enter The UAE On Tourist Visa?
Tourist visa holders from India, Pakistan, Nepal, and Bangladesh will have to quarantine in another country for 14 days before entering the UAE.
First Published: August 25, 2021 2:03 PM