UAE issues guidelines for residents wishing to return

All foreign nationals having valid residence permits must undergo pre-departure coronavirus test for coming back to the United Arab Emirates, according to new guidelines issued on Sunday.

As per the guidelines, the COVID-19 test should be done 72 hours before departure at an accredited laboratory and the report must be presented at arrival in the UAE.

The guidelines, which are effective from July 1 (Wednesday), were announced on Sunday by the country's National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

According to the guidelines, the conditions for the return are as follows:

1. All returning residents must complete a COVID-19 pre-examination at an accredited laboratory.

2. As part of the first phase, accredited laboratories are currently found in 106 cities across 17 countries worldwide. Preparations are ongoing for additional countries and cities to be added to the next few days and will be announced as for the second and third phases.

3. More information about this effect can be found on" smartservices.ica.gov.ae

4. Without a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of takeoff, individuals will not be permitted to board the aircraft.

5. Accredited laboratories aware of the time constraints and will deliver results digitally.

6. For residents returning from countries that do not have accredited laboratories, COVID-19 tests will be conducted upon arrival back into the UAE and residents will be directed to complete quarantine guidelines for a period of 14 days (either at home or at an institution if their homes are not adequate.)

7. All costs for quarantining and medical assistance, whether at home or in another designated facility will be at the cost of the individual primarily.

8. In certain circumstances, the companies at which these returning individuals are employed shall need to bear all costs related to the medical examination and quarantine.

9. All returning residents will also be required to download a certified app which will allow the residents to be monitored whilst in quarantine and to monitor their health status for the safety of society.

10. The UAE will continue to combat COVID-19, both in the country and abroad, in order to serve the citizens and residents of the nation.

The announcement of the guidelines comes as the UAE announced that it would not receive passengers coming from Pakistan as of June 29 until a special COVID-19 lab is set up to test them.

The decision also applies to transit flights originating from Pakistan, the country's General Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement carried by state news agency WAM.

Dubai state carrier Emirates had already said it was suspending flights from Pakistan effective June 24.