Returnees to UAE now need approval from GDRFA

Dubai residents coming back to the UAE must have approval from GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs). But those coming back to Sharjah and Abu Dhabi are permitted to enter the country without approval from ICA (Identity and Citizenship). Travelers must upload their data on uaeentry.ica.gov.ae, This will enable the verification of the authenticity of travel documents.

An announcement about this was made after Air India Express tweeted on August 14, 2020, stating that residence visa holders can enter the UAE without approval from GDRFA or ICA. The airline has given the clarification that this rule is applicable to only those coming back to Sharjah or Abu Dhabi.

Air India made an announcement that federal authority for ICA has approved the travel of residents of UAE on Vande Bharat Mission flights it operated. There are many protocols and approvals involved in the flight.

The documents returnees must carry are as follows:

Documents residents returning to Dubai must carry

• A valid negative PCR test report for COVID-19 issued by a laboratory authorized by the government
• A valid approval from GDRFA
• Downloaded COVID-19 – DXB Smart app
• Health declaration and quarantine undertaking forms duly filled to be submitted at the Dubai Airport on arrival
• ICA or GDRFA approvals that haven’t expired

Residents returning to Abu Dhabi will carry the same documents as for Dubai. But such residents must get ICA’s approval. Returnees to Sharjah must have valid approval from GDRFA or ICA.

Residents coming back to Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or Dubai must produce a valid COVID-PCR test report that’s negative in result. The test result mustn’t be older than 96 hours beforethe traveler’s departure.

Upon arrival in Dubai, every passenger must take a PCR test. They should stay in their residence until the test results are released. The travelers who test positive must go into isolation and follow the guidelines issued by the Dubai Health Authority.

Upon arrival in Abu Dhabi, passengers will have to get their temperature scanning and PCR testing done.

Upon arrival from Sharjah, the passenger will have to get PCR testing done.

Violating quarantine rules upon arriving in Dubai will invite a fine of AED 50,000.

As of now, only resident permit holders can return to the UAE. But UAE residents and citizens can do leisure travel abroad.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to Dubai, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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