Regulations set for resident visa holders returning to Dubai

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates -- A must-read for overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) finalizing plans to go back to Dubai.

Foreign nationals with Dubai-issued residency visas need to coordinate with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai) and the airline they have pre-booked their flight with, to obtain prior approval for their return to the city.

They will also need to fill up a Health Declaration Form confirming they do not have COVID-19 symptoms, with the airline allowed to refuse boarding if the passenger exhibits any.

The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management (SCCDM) under Sheikh Mansour bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum announced these protocols and conditions for citizens, residents and tourists travelling to or out of Dubai on Sunday, June 21.

As per the new protocols, foreign nationals holding residency visas issued in Dubai may return to the emirate starting Monday, June 22. It will also allow citizens and residents to travel to any foreign country starting Tuesday, June 23, provided the destination countries agree to receive them. Furthermore, they should commit to observing precautionary measures outlined by the countries they are visiting.

The Supreme Committee has also decided to start welcoming visitors and tourists from overseas beginning July 7, 2020.

The protocols were announced by the Dubai Media Office, an agency with the Dubai government tasked to implement communication plans and disseminate government-related news.

Post-arrival procedures

Meantime, returning residents, upon arrival at Dubai airports, will have to undergo a polymerise chain reaction (PCR) test for COVID-19, according to SCCDM.

They should also register their complete details in the COVID-19 Dubai smart app available online on arrival at the airport.

Moreover, returning residents arriving in Dubai should not leave their house until they have received their COVID-19 test result, where they would have to self-isolate themselves at home for 14 days should they test positive, according to the SCCDM protocols.

Residents staying in shared accommodations or living in high-density housing facilities need to be isolated at an institutional facility if they test positive, the protocols further stated, adding that the resident’s employer should make arrangements for the isolation facility in accordance with guidelines approved by the COVID-19 Command and Control Centre or bear the costs of a paid isolation facility provided by the government.

Travelers

The Supreme Committee, meanwhile said there will be no restrictions for Dubai residents and UAE nationals living in the city when it comes to travelling abroad. They will, however, need to follow the same protocols when departing and must comply with guidelines followed in the countries they are travelling to.

Upon return, the same procedure applies as to undergoing COVID-19 test and isolation.

Tourists would likewise have to go through the same procedure, ensuring that they meet all requirements for entry to the UAE: 

• Download the COVID-19 Dubai app and register their details to facilitate easy coordination and communication with health authorities if they experience COVID-19 symptoms.
• Ensure they have a valid health insurance in order to enter the country, in addition to filling the Health Declaration Form before embarking from country of origin.
• Undergo a COVID-19 test with a maximum validity of four days (96 hours) ahead of the date of departure. They will be required to show proof of not being infected with the virus on arrival at Dubai airports. If they cannot provide proof, they will undergo a PCR test at the airport.
• All arrivals will be subject to thermal screenings. If a traveler is suspected to have COVID-19 symptoms, Dubai airports have the right to re-test to ensure the tourist is free of the virus.
• It is mandatory for tourists who test positive for COVID-19 to register their details on the COVID-19 Dubai app and isolate themselves at an institutional facility provided by the government for 14 days at their own expense.

—KBK, GMA News