Coronavirus: Residents stuck outside UAE for 6 months can return, says official

People who have been caught outside the UAE for more than six months but hold a valid residency visa can return to the Emirates, an official has said.

As part of the #AskDxbOfficial initiative, launched by Dubai Media Office, Mohammed Al Marri, director general of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, said residents of the emirate can return as normal, provided they follow set entry procedures.

“All residents of the UAE can return to the country,” he said.

“For those who have valid residency visas but are currently outside the UAE, their return is dependent on which country they are currently in.

“If there are no flight restrictions between the UAE and the country they are in, there is nothing obstructing them from returning providing they take a pre-travel Covid-19 test and obtain a return permit through the GDRFA website.”

He said some companies “must apply for the return permit on behalf of their employees”, but he did not specify which category of workers this referred to.

Mr Al Marri said it was an important step as it ensured residents would return with guaranteed employment.

In the first streamed session of the initiative, Mr Al Marri answered questions posed by the UAE public.

When asked if Dubai residents could enter the UAE via Abu Dhabi or Sharjah, he said the GDRFA permit allowed people to return via any airport in the country.

Residents with expired residency visas that are currently inside the country were also told they cannot leave the UAE and return with old visas.

Regarding families trying to return to the Emirates, Mr Al Marri said they should ensure all personal information is entered into the GDRFA application form correctly.

“Return permits for families can include all members; the mother, father, children and any domestic helpers," he said.

“If any of them are not approved within tis permit there could be a mistake made while entering their data.”

Two weeks ago, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship relaxed rules on entering the UAE. People flying in to all emirates except Dubai no longer need to apply for clearance to come back.

According to the GDRFA, residents returning to Dubai must still apply for permission through its website before they fly home.