IMPACT – HIGH

As of June 1, foreign national residents that are stranded outside of the UAE will be permitted to return provided they meet certain conditions.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals who wish to return to the UAE must have a valid residence visa, as well as family either currently residing or employed in the UAE.
  • Applications to obtain permission to return to the UAE, should be submitted through the Federal Identification and Citizenship “ICA” after June 1.
  • Applicants are advised to submit a letter of support explaining the reason for their return to the UAE (dependents who wish to return to the UAE to reunite with their family, must provide a letter with their signature stating their reason for returning. Employees who wish to return to the UAE to continue working require a letter from their employer with the employer’s signature, stating the reason for their return).
  • Essential workers such as medical staff and teachers, as well as pregnant women and children, will continue to be given priority.

Additional information: Foreign national residents who were overseas when the country’s borders closed March 19 were instructed to apply for permission to return via the Twajudi assistance portal, a system previously restricted to UAE citizens only. This was subsequently replaced by a dedicated portal for foreign national residents of the UAE, which remains active and can be found here.

Authorities have advised that people who had applications rejected should reapply for permission to return to the UAE after June 1.

Analysis & Comments: 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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