How stranded UAE residents abroad can apply to return

Guide: How stranded UAE residents abroad can apply to return

Guide: How stranded UAE residents abroad can apply to return

Do not book travel tickets unless you obtain an approval for your application.

Residents stranded outside the UAE due to Covid-19-triggered travel restrictions can start returning to the country from June 1. The announcement made late on Monday comes as a relief for many families who have a loved one stuck abroad.

Earlier, residents had to register on a Ministry of Foreign Affairs service called Twajudi, which fast-tracked the return of humanitarian or special cases.

Now, these residents can register on the website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).

Here is the step-by-step process:

1. Remember: Do not book travel tickets unless you obtain an approval for your application.

2. Documents required:
- Colour photo 
- Copy of residency 
- Passport copy
- Proof for visit abroad (this can be a letter from the workplace, education institution or flight ticket if the reason was tourism)

3. Visit smartservices.ica.gov.ae

4. Scroll down to the last option on the list of smart services: 'OTHER SERVICES - RESIDENTS OUTSIDE UAE - ENTRY PERMISSION - ISSUE'

5. Click on 'Start service'. 

6. Fill the e-form, attach documents, review your application and submit.

COVID-19 frontline workers in Dubai to get 10-year visa

Mohammed Bin Rashid announces the visas for DHA's frontline medical.

https://gulfnews.com/uae/government/covid-19-frontline-workers-in-dubai-to-get-10-year-visa-1.1589394181977

Dubai: Medical professionals at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) will be granted a 10-year golden residency in an expression of thanks and appreciation to their devoted efforts in the fight against coronavirus pandemic.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, issued instructions to relevant authorities to grant the 10-year residency visas for DHA’s various medical professionals who are on the frontline of the battle against the coronavirus.

The visas will be awarded to 212 doctors of various specialisations.

Sheikh Mohammed’s gesture exemplifies the leadership’s appreciation of the tremendous efforts of medical teams who provide healthcare services to COVID-19 patients in their efforts to ensure public safety.

Director General of the Dubai Health Authority, Humaid Al Qutami thanked Sheikh Mohammed on behalf of all doctors for this initiative. This gesture will further boost their morale and encourage them in their efforts to provide the highest quality of medical care for patients infected by the virus, he said.

He also said the UAE leadership has always placed the highest priority on the medical sector and extended all the resources necessary for ensuring its success including the world’s best medical talent.

The leadership has also encouraged the development of local medical talent and offered young doctors opportunities to learn and gain experience at the best international universities and scientific centres. This support has helped establish a strong healthcare system, which has enabled the UAE to mount a robust response to the COVID-19 outbreak. The country’s handling of the pandemic has won it global praise, he noted.

Al Qutami praised the efforts of local and expatriate doctors, who have demonstrated high levels of agility and flexibility and worked long hours to provide care for patients. By demonstrating selfless dedication in caring for others, they have played significant roles in helping Dubai and the UAE contain the COVID-19 pandemic. He noted that the DHA has provided comprehensive support for its staff and provided all advanced protective equipment necessary to ensure their safety.

He congratulated the doctors who were granted the Golden Visa and expressed his gratitude for their extraordinary efforts on the frontlines of the fight against the virus.

Announced last year, the Golden Visa is granted to doctors, scientists, innovators, researchers, investors and entrepreneurs in various fields.