UAE residents out of country for more than 180 days can return before March 31

IMPACT – HIGH

United Arab Emirates residents with valid residence visas who have remained out of the country for more than 180 days have been given until March 31 to return to the UAE.

Key Points:                            

• Holders of valid residence visas issued in Dubai must receive approval to return from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs before booking their flights. Visa validity can be checked on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website.
• Holders of valid residence visas granted by other emirates must verify their re-entry on the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website before booking their return flights.
• Holders of UAE resident visas that expired before March 1, 2020, or expired after March 1, 2020 and were extended until Dec. 31, 2020, must apply for new visas in order to enter the UAE.

Additional information: Travelers entering the UAE are subject to COVID-19 testing and health protocols, details about them are available here.

Analysis & Comments: Employers may wish to consult with Deloitte to discuss their plans if they intend to have employees return. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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