Expat residents allowed to return to the UAE from June 1

Foreign nationals who posses a valid residence visa will be allowed to return to the UAE beginning June 1, officials have confirmed.

A joint statement to this effect was issued on Tuesday, May 19, by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) and the Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship (ICA), reported official news agency WAM.

The ICA added that those in possession of a valid residence visa and who wish to return to the UAE must register in the service entitled “Residents’ Entry Permit” via its website: smartservices.ica.gov.ae.

The joint statement stated that the decision to allow the return of residents to the country stemmed from the UAE’s keenness to reunite residents with their families who were affected by the precautionary measures implemented to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The move is aimed at streamlining their safe return to the UAE,” added the statement.

A few exceptional flights are currently being carried out by UAE carriers including Emirates and Etihad to return residents to the country.

Read: Etihad adds destinations for special flights to return UAE residents

Read also: Dubai’s Emirates to resume scheduled passenger flights starting next week