A top Dubai immigration official has confirmed that residents, holding a valid visa, who have been stuck outside the UAE for more than six months can return to the country.
Major General Mohammed Ahmad Al Marri, Director General of General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), stated on Twitter that residents can return to the UAE only if they follow a set of entry procedures including a pre-travel COVID-19 test.
He also added that their return will depend on whether there are any flight restrictions between the UAE and the country they’re currently in. Residents need a return permit, obtained through the GDRFA website, to enter the UAE via any airport in the country including Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
Taking part in the recently launched #AskDXBOfficial initiative, Major General Al Marri answered frequently asked questions regarding post-COVID immigration laws on Dubai Media Office’s official Twitter account.
Major General Al Marri also clarified that residents with expired residency visas, living in the UAE, cannot leave and then return to the country with old visas.
With a number of travelling rules having been relaxed for residents in the UAE, this news should provide much relief to residents stranded outside the country following the global coronavirus outbreak.