UAE Officials Announce New Rules for Residents Looking To Return to the Country

For all those with family members overseas that are looking to return to the UAE, we have some great news!

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) and the Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship (ICA) have announced that all foreign nationals, with a valid residency visa and with relatives in the UAE, can return to the nation from June 1. While, those with a newly expired visa, can apply for an entry permit, by registering on the smartservices.ica.gov.ae website.

The new rule applies to all foreign nationals, not just those who have families in the UAE.

The news was announced in a joint statement, which read: "[We are keen to] "enable those holding valid residence visas to get reunited with their families after having been affected by the precautionary measures taken under the current exceptional circumstances to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic."

The announcement comes after Emirates confirmed that it would be continuing scheduled operations on several flights.

As of May 21, the Dubai-based airline resumed its scheduled flights to nine cities in eight countries. These include scheduled flights from London Heathrow, Paris, Madrid, Milan, Toronto, Sydney, and Melbourne.

Emirates to resume scheduled passenger flights to 9 cities in 8 countries, including connections between the UK and Australia via @DXB from May 21, 2020. #FlyEmiratesFlyBetter https://t.co/MWcsZYsdVL pic.twitter.com/4LQJy3hwUE

— Emirates Airline (@emirates) May 13, 2020

"We have implemented additional measures at the airport in coordination with the relevant authorities in respect to social distancing and sanitization," explains Emirates' Chief Operating Officer, Adel Al Redha.

Who added that the safety and wellbeing of the award-winning airline's employees, customers, and communities, remain Emirates' top priority and that the airline is "working closely with the authorities to plan the resumption of operations to additional destinations."

Emirates has also, previously, confirmed that it would be continuing to operate scheduled repatriate flights, as well as several limited flights to the UAE.

The limited return flights will take place from London, Heathrow, and Frankfurt, Germany, both of which are destinations for repatriate flights that the Dubai-based airline is currently operating. According to the Emirates website, more return-flight destinations will be announced.

Conditions to Book the Limited Return Flights

A Twajudi form (a document issued by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs & International Cooperation) must be completed in order to apply for approval from the Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC). Once approved by the MOFAIC, passengers will be able to book an available Emirates flight, using their unique ICA number.

"We are closely monitoring the situation as it evolves, and we hope to resume services as soon as conditions allow. This includes receiving government approvals, the easing of travel restrictions, and commercial demand," the award-winning Dubai airline explained.

Adding: "We will announce any service resumption when we are in a position to do so." Once travelers have the required approval in order to return to the UAE, a flight can be booked via the Emirates website, as you normally would. However, if the message 'not applicable' appears, it means the flight is fully booked, meaning a new date will need to be selected."

Emirates Limited Return Flight Policy

Emirates has previously announced that there will be strict entry restrictions, which include DHA tests on arrival, along with a 14-day quarantine and follow up tests before release for all passengers returning to Dubai.

Emirates Limited Return Flight Precautions

The Dubai-based airline has released a number of strict guidelines for both crew and passengers in an attempt to reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19.

For Crew Members and Emirates Staff:

All customer-facing staff, such as but not limited to cabin crew, boarding agents, and ground staff, will be provided with personal protective equipment to wear. These include gloves, face masks, protective disposable gowns, and a safety visor.

Passengers will be required to wear face masks at all times and will be subject to rapid on-site coronavirus tests. The tests will be conducted in coordination with the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), with results expected to take just 10 minutes.

Emirates On-Board Entertainment and Services During Limited Return Flights

Magazines and other printed material will not be available onboard the limited-edition flights.

All food and drink services will be altered to reduce human interaction.

For more news on COVID-9 rules and restrictions in the UAE, please click here.