IMPACT – HIGH

The United Arab Emirates has suspended entry to UAE visa holders who are not in the country in effort to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The restriction include those with valid UAE work/residence visas. The change is effective from today and the decision is renewable every two weeks.

  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation said:
  • Those who are in their home country should contact the UAE diplomatic mission to facilitate their return to the country.
  • Those who are outside of the UAE for business should contact their employers in the UAE and the UAE diplomatic mission in their host country to facilitate their return to the UAE.
  • Those who are on vacation should contact the UAE diplomatic mission in their host country to facilitate their return to the UAE.

Additional information: The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has urged family of people affected by the entry suspension to contact the ICA by phone or email at Operation@ica.gov.ae in order to help their family member return to the UAE.

Analysis & Comments: The new visa restriction could impact a large number of UAE visa holders not currently in the country. These individuals are encouraged to follow the steps above and to contact Deloitte to facilitate their return to the UAE when possible.

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