The UAE is suspending the entry of all its valid visa holders, who are currently outside the country.
According to national news agency WAM, the decision comes into effect at 12:00 pm on Thursday, March 19. It’s for a period of two weeks, but can be extended.
The move is part of the preventive and precautionary measures being taken in the UAE to contain the spread of COVID-19.
All those people who have been affected by the latest directive are being advised to contact the UAE diplomatic missions in their countries for further support.
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has requested those holding valid UAE visas, and now staying out of the country, to follow these steps:
- Those who are now staying in their countries of origin have to contact the UAE diplomatic missions in their respective nations for all necessary support and to streamline their return to the UAE.
- Those who are currently outside the UAE for business considerations have to contact their employers in the UAE as well as Emirati diplomatic missions in their host countries for all necessary support to facilitate their return to the UAE.
- Those who are now on vacation have to contact UAE diplomatic missions in their respective host countries for all necessary support to facilitate their return to the UAE.
Authorities have also urged the families and relatives of those affected by the decision to get in touch with the ICA via the following contact numbers for further updates:
Mobile: 0501066099
Landline 02 3128867 or 02 3128865
Fax: 025543883
Email: operation@ica.gov.ae