As UAE Residents begin to return home, GDRFA issued a clarification on the same. In a recent update, GDRFA stated that Dubai residents who have been outside the UAE for 6 months can still enter the country if they have a valid residence visa. In addition, it also added that their return will depend on which country they currently are in. All those who wish to return to the UAE must take a Covid-19 test prior to departure. Besides, they must also obtain permission from GDRFA.
Residence Visa Gets Nullified Post 6 Months If The Resident Is Outside UAE
There are certain categories of UAE visa that extends the visa validity despite the abovementioned statement. The Golden Visa is the prime in this category. Other visa holders, exempted from the nullification rule include a wife on husbands sponsorship, domestic helpers for studies or medical or accompanying consulates. Expatriates students or employees from the public sector are also included in this list.
How Can Residents Return To The UAE?
Dubai resident visa holders must first request approval from GDRFA. Once the approval comes through, you can book your flight ticket. However, it is not essential that you only book your ticket with a Dubai-based airline. All airlines permitted to operate in DXB are allowed to transport residents to the UAE.
However, in case the country you are stranded in has not resumed flights, you will have to wait until flight operations resume. Besides, those who have received permission, but are unable to travel due to the airport being closed in the departure country must also wait until air bubbles to the UAE reopen. They must then re-apply for the return permit prior to travel. In addition, Residents Returning To UAE Must Receive A ‘GREEN’ ICA Message.
#India2UAE: Your Ultimate 7-Step Guide To PCR Test & Approvals
1. Approvals
There has been a lot of confusion if residents traveling back to the UAE must secure approval from GDRFA or ICA. The UAE government has issued clarification on the same. Residents who are returning to Dubai or Sharjah from India, must get a valid pre-departure approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA).
However, those entering Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, DO NOT NEED an approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). Air India Express recently clarified the same on its website on 12 August. Also read Abu Dhabi Residents No Longer Need Entry Permit To Return To The UAE.
Travellers can then update Emirates ID number, Passport number or citizenship number on this link: uaeentry.ica.gov.ae. However, this is optional for those wishing to verify the authenticity of their data and travel documents.
2. Covid-19 PCR Test
Residents travelling back to Sharjah, Dubai or Abu Dhabi must carry a valid negative covid-PCR test report. The test must not be older than 96 hours, prior to departure. Lastly, the test must be done only at an accredited lab.
3. Book A Return Ticket
Once you have completed the first two steps, you can book a return ticket to the UAE. ICA manages visas issued by Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain. Meanwhile, UAE Announces One-Month Extension For Visitors With Expired Visas.
4. Submit The Negative Covid Test To The Airline
Before boarding, submit your negative covid test to the airline. This will then be checked based on the travel requirements. put out by the UAE government.
5. Take A Covid Lab Test On Arrival
All passengers must take a covid test upon arrival. The UAE airports have been conducting tests at the airports.
6. Download The Al Hosn Mobile App
All passengers arriving in the UAE must download the Al Hosn mobile app.
7. Abide By Quarantine Rules
All residents returning to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain must abide by a 14-day quarantine. Violating the rule can lead to a fine of AED 50,000.
Checklist Of Documents
- Valid GDRFA approval for those travelling to Dubai
- Negative PCR test result
- Health and declaration forms to be filled upon arrival
- Passport & a valid flight ticket
Until you can fly again, here are some weird virtual tours that you can take from across the world.