About 6,000 Emiratis have returned safely to the UAE from outside the country using air and land routes.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority (NCEMA) on Saturday announced the successful operation to repatriate the citizens and their travelling companions.
The move was carried out as part of the UAE’s integrated national response system, state news agency Wam reported.
The ministry and NCEMA said the safe return of the citizens reflected the priority the country placed on protecting and caring for its people, wherever they are.
The operation relied on the rapid response of agencies, monitoring work and close co-ordination with authorities across the country, Wam said. The UAE’s diplomatic missions also abroad played a key role in co-ordinating the travel of Emiratis unable to return home owing to Iranian attacks that led to airspace restrictions across the region.
Some flights also included residents stranded abroad. That reflected the UAE’s humanitarian approach and support for those who live in the country, Wam reported.
The ministry renewed its call for Emiratis abroad to register with the Twajudi service and to contact the emergency number (+971 80024) in cases of emergency.
On Sunday, the UAE said it had facilitated the safe return to the Emirates of about 500 golden visa holders and residents by air and land routes.
"These efforts reflect the UAE’s long-standing humanitarian approach and the vision of its wise leadership to provide support and care for both citizens and residents alike, guided by the principle of “People First,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
Repatriation mission
The UAE has delivered key support to Emiratis and stranded abroad since the outbreak of the conflict. The Etihad Rail passenger service was put into action this month as part of the country's repatriation programme.
Etihad Rail ran three trains from the border with Saudi Arabia to Al Faya station in Abu Dhabi on March 3, carrying more than 350 Emiratis and UAE residents.
On March 12, the government said UAE residents would be allowed to return to the country on expired visas if they were stranded abroad owing to flight restrictions.
The amnesty applies to residents whose permits have expired since February 28, when attacks on Gulf states began, Wam said. The initiative is to remain open until March 31 and will enable those stranded outside the UAE to "regularise their legal status without incurring any financial penalties resulting from these exceptional circumstances beyond their control".
