Under the directives of leadership, the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) have approved second phase of Resident Return Programme. From August 12, 2020 the ICA registrations and approvals will not be mandatory for UAE residents who are returning back to country. Also pre-approvals for the return will be granted automatically to the residents.

Decision was made as summer vacations are nearing end and as the new academic year commencement is close, the restrictions are also eased on trade, services and leisure activities across the UAE.

Furthermore, in order to ease the residents’ return, the ICA has taken up replacement of registrations and approvals with automatic pre-approvals. This has led to no requirement of submitting application anymore.

Authority has advised residents to update their personal data like UAE ID number, passport number, and nationality through website uaeentry.ica.gov.ae. This step is however optional and for residents who want to verify the travel documents.

A mandatory Covid-19 nasal swab test (PCR) is required for all returning residents to UAE through accredited laboratories in their current country. The tests must show negative results for period not more than 96 hours prior to departure. Negative test results must be exhibited by travelers to airlines at check-in. All preventive and precautionary measures apply to residents of UAE on arrival as per the protocols in effect. This includes PCR test on arrival, following the approved quarantine period and downloading Al-Hosn app. 

WAM