Immigration Alert: Important visa updates

Please see below the new visa guidelines issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship on 10th July 2020. Please refer to the contents below to understand the various scenarios, depending on if you are currently located in or outside the UAE.   

Please note that the following guidelines supersede those previously issued. Please feel free to contact me if you require any further clarification on any of the following guidelines.  

1) IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY INSIDE THE UAE

Your residence visa expired between 1st March 2020 and 10^th July 2020

The expired residence visa and ID cards must be renewed no later than 10th October 2020. If your visa is currently issued from Fujairah, please contact your dedicated account manager for further clarification.

Your residence visa expired after 11^th July 2020

You will only have till the grace period stipulated on your visa cancellation paper

Please feel free to contact your dedicated account manager if you require any further clarification on this. 

Your residence visa expired before 1st March 2020 and you are in the UAE

1. If you would like to renew your visa, you may do so however, fines will be applicable.
2. If you want to exit the UAE, you have until 17th November 2020 to do so without fines being imposed. Before you travel, you will need to approach the relevant airport and/or immigration department to have your visa cancelled and clearance obtained.
3. If you plan to exit the UAE after 17th November 2020, you will need to approach the relevant airport and/or immigration department to have your visa cancelled and pay all applicable fines. 

You are currently in the UAE and your residence visa was cancelled after 1st July 2020

 In the below scenarios, normal rules apply and fines will commence 30 days from the date of your visa cancellation

1. At the time you are exiting the UAE
2. Application of an in-country employment visa
3. Application of an in-country tourist visa 

You are currently in the UAE and your visa was cancelled after 1st March 2020

As of 1st July 2020, applicable fines will be levied on the below scenarios: 

1. At the time you are exiting the UAE
2. Application of an employment visa
3. Application of an in-country tourist visa

1. You are currently in the UAE and your tourist/on arrival visa has expired after 1st March 2020

Your tourist/on arrival visa is automatically valid until 10th September 2020. You must do one of the following by this date:

1. If you were issued a tourist/on arrival visa, apply for an in-country tourist visa through any travel agent
2. Apply for an in-country employment visa
3. Exit the UAE

2) IF YOU ARE CURRENTLY OUTSIDE THE UAE

a) Your residence visa expired after 1st March 2020

Your arrival into the UAE is required before 10^th October 2020 and your renewed residence visa should be issued before then to avoid fines. 

Should you decide not to arrive in time for the visa renewal, your visa will automatically get cancelled.

In case you were not able to travel back to the UAE, please let us know and we’ll guide you accordingly.

b) You are a UAE resident, with a valid UAE residence visa and have been outside the UAE for more than 180 days 

Your arrival into the UAE is required before 10^th October 2020

Should you decide not to arrive in time, your visa will automatically get invalidated.

In case you were not able to travel back to the UAE, please let us know and we’ll guide you accordingly.

For Dubai visa holders, the return approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs GDRFA  is still required prior to travelling to Dubai. We urge you to contact the airline for further clarification. 

3) ARRIVING IN THE UAE   

a)All passengers arriving in Dubai from any destination must have a negative COVID-19 test This includes all UAE citizens, residents, tourists, and passengers connecting in Dubai. You may be required to present your original Emirates ID card or at least a copy during the process.

The test must be taken a maximum of 96 hours before departure. Please click the link below for the list of accredited medical centers in each country. 

https://screening.purehealth.ae/application

1. b)On arrival at all UAE airports, you will undergo a mandatory COVID test and be required to remain in your residence until you receive the test result. If the test result is positive, you will be required to undergo isolation and follow theDubai Health Authority guidelines.

You must also download the COVID-19 DXB Smart App available for iOS and Android