UAE announces new procedures allowing residents to return from June 1

Valid UAE residency visa-holders are eligible to apply to return

A medical worker puts away a Covid-19 swab test at one of the Mussaffah testing facilities. Victor Besa / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident goes for a jog along the Corniche in the capital as the government eases movement restrictions. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi residents wear mandatory masks as they walk in the city. Victor Besa / The National

Safety instructions are on display outside Al Awir fruit and vegetable market in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A person wearing protective face mask and covering his face with laptop bag on a hot day in Bur Dubai area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Indian citizens queue to check in at the Dubai International Airport before leaving the UAE on a flight back to their home country on May 7. Inbound flights for UAE residents have also begun operating from select cities. Karim Sahim / AFP 

Passengers from an Emirates flight from London queue before being checked by health workers at Dubai International Airport on May 8. Karim Sahib / AFP

Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public but with safety measures in place to protect shoppers and staff from contracting Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public from 12pm to 9pm. Measures remain in place to keep shoppers and staff safe. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi will be open from midday to 9pm. Supermarkets and pharmacies will be open from 9am to midnight. Victor Besa / The National

Workers pass by Al Mina vegetables and fruits market in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A security guard is given a free Covid-19 test at one of the Mussaffah testing centres. Victor Besa / The National

Workers line up to receive a coronavirus test at the Mussaffah industrial area in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

Update: Hundreds of stranded UAE residents hope to return under new procedures

UAE residents who have been stuck abroad amid the coronavirus outbreak will be able to return from June 1, provided they meet specific criteria.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation and Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship said those wishing to return to the UAE must have a valid visa.

It was previously understood that those wishing to return must also have family living in the UAE but this has since been clarified as not being a prerequisite.

Residents were instructed to register in the service titled Residents' Entry Permit on the website smartservices.ica.gov.ae.

The announcement was made late on Monday night.

The ministry and authority said the decision was made to "reunite families affected by the measures taken in light of the current exceptional circumstances".

"The move is aimed at streamlining their safe return to the UAE", the statement said.

Expatriates who were overseas when the country's borders closed on March 19 were told to apply for permission to return on the Twajudi assistance portal, a system previously dedicated to only UAE citizens.

Residents with valid residency visas outside the country who found it difficult to follow up on their requests to return were instructed to check the authority's website or phone the call centre on [phone], [phone] or [phone].

While some residents have been returned to the UAE under special circumstances, many of those who applied were recently told their applications were rejected.

From Friday, applicants began receiving a message reading "in light of the current conditions and for your safety: we apologise for not fulfilling your request due, to the incompatibility of your request with the requirements for entry to the country."

It is understood that essential workers including medical staff and  teachers, and pregnant women and children have been prioritised in recent weeks.

Last month, UAE authorities said all residency visas would remain valid until the end of the year.

Brig Khamis Al Kaabi, of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, confirmed the decision, saying it applied to those caught outside the country when flights were suspended.

"Expats who have their visa expiring after March 1, 2020, will have them valid until the end of December this year, whether they are inside or outside the country," Brig Al Kaabi said.