UAE announced plans to help expats currently stranded abroad to be reunited with their families in the country from June 1.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) and the Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship (ICA) said foreign nationals currently abroad who hold a valid residence visa, and have families in the UAE, can return to the country starting June 1 through a new application process.
“The decision stems from the UAE’s keenness to enable those holding valid residence visas to get reunited with their families after having been affected by the precautionary measures taken under the current exceptional circumstances to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic,” the UAE ministry and authority said in a statement.
“The move is aimed at streamlining their safe return to the UAE,” they added.
The ICA called on those holding valid residence visas and wishing to return to the UAE to register in the service entitled ‘Residents’ Entry Permit’, via its website.
Those looking to return on passenger flights to the UAE, currently being operated by Emirates airline and Etihad Airways, must first apply for Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship approval via the UAE Twajudi Resident service, available at Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation website.