UAE resumes entry permits, work permits on hold

Our Correspondent

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) announced on September 24 that it has resumed issuing entry permits into the country. However, work permits are still on hold.

The decision is meant to ease restrictions and strengthen the state’s efforts towards supporting recovery plans of the country’s tourism sector and economy. Precautionary measures undertaken by the travel industry to reduce the spread of COVID-19 will be followed.

The issuance of visas, with the exception of those for diplomatic passport holders, had been suspended since March as part of the country’s efforts to combat the spread of the virus.
Dubai, which has its own immigration service and crisis authority, allowed tourists to return in early June.

In Abu Dhabi, all arrivals must quarantine in their homes or a hotel room for 14 days. Last week, the authorities said travellers can expect to be fitted with an electronic tag on arrival to monitor their location for two weeks.

In Sharjah, visa on arrival is back and officials said the emirate would test all passengers on arrival. Tourists must stay in their hotel rooms until they receive their results through a text message or app notification. They can move around freely if the result is negative.

“Travel is now permitted for all citizens and residents through the ports of Sharjah to or from any destinations. However, all travellers must assess the Covid-19 situation of the countries they are planning to visit. Both tourists and residents must ensure they have adequate health insurance,” said the Sharjah Emergency, Crisis and Disaster Management Committee.

All travellers to the various emirates must take a PCR nasal swab test before boarding their flights in their home country.