Expat residents must provide a negative PCR Covid-19 test before they fly
Expatriate residents who are stranded abroad but who want to return to the UAE will no longer need to apply for a resident entry permit from Wednesday, it has been announced.
The National Emergency and Crisis Management Authority and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship announced the move as part of the second phase of the return of expatriate residents to the UAE.
The two bodies approved the second phase to coincide with the end of summer holidays for educational institutions and resumption of business activities and social and service facilities in the country amid the easing of coronavirus restrictions.
The Federal Authority for Identity will automatically grant pre-approval for expatriate residents wishing to return without the need to apply for an entry permit.
The authority told them to update their personal data, ID number and passport number. It stressed that the data update is optional for those wanting to check the authenticity of their data and travel documents.
Expat residents must provide a negative PCR Covid-19 test before they fly and airlines must make sure that all passengers have a negative result issued by accredited centres not more than 96 hours prior to arrival in the UAE.
Precautionary and preventive measures against the coronavirus will be applied to all residents upon arrival in the country in accordance with health and preventive protocols in place, including laboratory test and home quarantine in compliance with the prescribed measures to ensure their health and safety.
On Monday, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship issued a decision extending the deadline for holders of expired entry permits and visas from August 11, for one month, to enable them to leave the country and exempt them from fines.
The authority's decision is part of the national initiatives launched by the UAE and is in implementation of the UAE Cabinet's related decisions and regulations of entry and residency of foreigners.
The authority urged those eligible to leave the country within the set deadline, which will help facilitate their return to the UAE.
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