All UAE residents currently stuck abroad and wanting to return must complete a Covid-19 test, the UAE government has announced on June 28. you can search online for covid19 test centers.
No Negative Test, No Boarding:
Those who do not have a Covid negative test taken within 72 hours of take-off will not be permitted to board the aircraft.
This is part of the key guidelines announced on Sunday by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for residents with valid visas to return to the country starting July 1.
Laboratories list on ICA Smart Services:
The Covid-19 test should be conducted at accredited laboratories spread across 106 cities in 17 countries worldwide, said the authorities. More countries will be added to the list shortly as part of the second and third phases.
Residents can access the list of accredited laboratories on smartservices.ica.gov.ae
The laboratories are aware of the time constraints and will deliver results diligently.
Note: We checked the ICA website and could not found list of laboratories, hopefully it will get updated soon.
Note: We checked the ICA website and could not found list of laboratories, hopefully it will get updated soon.
Test in UAE:
For residents returning from countries without an accredited lab, Covid-19 tests can be conducted upon arrival back in the UAE. Residents will have to quarantine for 14 days either at home or take institutional quarantine.
Key guidelines for all returning #UAE residents with valid permits.#YouAreResponsible#We_Are_All_Responsible pic.twitter.com/wbmYMVKPDY— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) June 28, 2020
Medical Tests Expenses:
All costs for quarantining and medical assistance will be borne by the individual. In certain cases, companies that employ the returning residents have to incur the expenses.
ICA or GDRFA Approval:
The question that comes in people mind that do ICA or GDRFA approval is still require or only negative test result of covid19 is enough? The answer is Yes, people stranded abroad still need an approval as per their residency visas.
The good news is that we heard from some sources that UAE may lift the requirements of Entry approval for people stranded abroad. If this is true it will become the happiest news since the coronavirus crisis begin, let’s see when UAE will announce this.
