Living In UAE

COVID-19: Valid Dubai residence visa holders can return even after six months outside the UAE

Clarification on flights you can take, six-month rule and which airports you can fly to

Published: August 23, 2020 11:47 Huda Tabrez, Senior News Editor

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Procedure to return to the UAE clarified by Dubai Immigration official — If you are a valid Dubai residence visa holder, you can easily return to the UAE as long as flight operations have resumed to the UAE from the country in which you are in. Image Credit: Gulf News

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Major General Mohammed Ahmad Al Marri, Director General of GDRFA responds — Major General Al Marri answered frequently asked questions related to Dubai immigration during COVID-19. Image Credit: Gulf News

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Procedure clarified — Image Credit: Gulf News

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You can take any flight that operates to the UAE — Find out the requirement for a GDRFA approval here: https://gulfnews.com/1.1597730774244 Image Credit: Gulf News

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However, it is not essential that you only book a ticket with a Dubai-based airline. — Your flight options are not limited to Dubai flight operators. Image Credit: Gulf News

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All airlines permitted to operate at Dubai airports have a right to transport their passengers to the UAE and are obliged to ease residents’ process of returning and obtaining an entry permit — Any flight operating to Dubai can be used. Image Credit: Gulf News

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in a video response posted by Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs — The video was part of Dubai Media Office's #AskDXBOfficial campaign. Read more here: https://gulfnews.com/1.73208296 Image Credit: Gulf News

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You can land at any UAE airport — You can also take a flight to Abu Dhabi and Sharjah airports. Image Credit: Gulf News

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Flights have still not resumed in my country — You will need to wait for airports to start operations in the country you are in and then apply for the GDRFA approval. Image Credit: Gulf News

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“Those who are granted a return permit to Dubai but are still unable to travel due to the airport being closed in the country they are in are required to wait until air bridges to the UAE reopen … — Image Credit: Gulf News

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“… They must then re-apply for the return permit and have it approved,” Major General Al Marri said. — Image Credit: Gulf News

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Don’t worry if you are outside the UAE for over six months — Even if you have been outside the UAE for over six months, you can return if your visa is valid. Image Credit: Gulf News

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“Those who have valid residency visas but are currently outside the UAE their return is dependent on which country they are currently in … — Image Credit: Gulf News

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“… There is nothing obstructing them from returning, providing they take a pre-travel COVID-10 test and obtain a return permit through the GDRFA website,” he said. — Image Credit: Gulf News

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