COVID-19: Dubai visa holders returning to Dubai no longer need government approval

IMPACT – HIGH

Officials in Dubai have announced that General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) approval is no longer required for Dubai visa holders returning to Dubai.

Key Points:

• Previously, Dubai visa holders returning to Dubai from abroad were required to obtain GDRFA approval. A system was established in June of 2020 to apply for this approval.
• Though GDRFA approval is no longer required for Dubai visa holders returning to Dubai, many testing, travel and health protocols remain in place. More information about these requirements is available here.

Analysis & Comments: The removal of the pre-travel approval requirement will make it easier for Dubai visa holders abroad to return to Dubai. The response to COVID-19 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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