COVID-19: Medical fitness test waived, residency visas to be automatically renewed in the UAE

Labourers and domestic workers whose residency visas and labour permits expired will be exempted from medical fitness tests and their visas will be renewed automatically.

 The automatic renewal applies only to those working for establishments as well as domestic service workers.

 As per this precautionary measure, workers will not need to approach medical fitness centres, which will be shut down temporarily across the country.
Fees will be levied through payment channels and hence workers will continue their stay in the country legally.
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'Tawajudi for residents' online service to help UAE residents stranded abroad

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation introduced a new service on its website: 'Tawajudi for residents'.

 The new service is intended for residents with valid residencies and who are outside the country. This service aims to facilitate their safe return to the UAE in emergency situations.
The Twajudi service for residents allows individuals to request for approval to return as and when flights resume operations. 

 Residents who are currently abroad can register for this service through MoFAIC’s website, thus facilitating communication with them in case of emergency.

 The Twajudi website advises applicants to not book any travel tickets unless the application has been approved and they receive an approval number.

 The service can be accessed through the main page of the Ministry’s website, under Individuals Services, then click on 'Tawajudi for residents'.

 You will be required to enter your Emirates ID number, passport number, nationality, date of birth, mobile number and date of birth. 

 You will also be asked to provide the reason you went outside the UAE (Education, family visit, medical treatment, tourism, work or other) as well as tentative details of your return.

 Upload documents:
You then need to upload scanned copies of the following documents:
1. Coloured photo
2. UAE residence visa copy
3. Passport copy
4. Proof for the visit reason outside UAE. The proof can be a letter from the work company, medial organization or the flight tickets in case the reason is tourism. 
5. Ticket to the UAE (optional)

 The file should be in a JPEG or PDF format and no bigger that 2mb in size.

 You will then receive a draft number, which you can use to restart your application if it gets stuck due to any technical errors. 

 No fees to submit the application.

 Review application and submit
Once you complete the application form successfully, you will receive a tracking number visa email. 

You will then need to wait for your application to be approved.

 When can I fly back to the UAE?
Emirates and Etihad airlines are operating limited one-way flights aimed at helping UAE residents return. However, you are advised to book your tickets only after you receive an approval from MOFAIC.

Helpline
Holders of valid residence permits overseas and their family members and first-degree relatives in the UAE can call the helpline on 0097124965228 or 0097192083344 for enquiries and assistance for humanitarian and emergency cases to ensure their safe return to the UAE. Social media channels: MOFAICUAE.
Toll free from UAE: 80044444

 Identity and Citizenship Authority Call Centre numbers:
+971600522222, +97123128867, +97123128865
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UAE National Holidays-2020

Here is a list of public holidays for the year 2020 applicable to both public and private sectors:
-Gregorian New Year: 1 January

-Eid Al Fitr: From last day of the Islamic month of Ramadan to 3 Shawwal* (4 days)

-Arafah day and Eid Al Adha (Feast of Sacrifice): From 9 to 12 Dhu al Hijjah* (4 days)

-Hijri New Year: 1 Muharram*: August 23, 2020

-The Prophet's Mohammed birthday: October 29, 2020

-Commemoration Day: 1 December (previously it was observed on 30 November)

-National Day: 2 and 3 December (2 days).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
January 1 New Year's Day
New Year's Day is fixed on January 1 to celebrate the dawn of the new Gregorian year. The UAE joins the global party with fireworks, parades, and parties. Last year, Burj Khalifa was the centerpiece for one of the greatest firework displays the UAE has ever seen.

Eid Al Fitr
Roughly translated, Eid Al Fitr means 'festival of breaking the fast'. The holiday is a celebration which marks the end of Ramadan. It is a time to show kindness to others and love for Allah.

Eid Al Fitr begins automatically after the last day of Ramadan, on the first day of Shawwal.

The date is subject to moon-sighting and could change.Arafat Day
Arafat Day is the second day of the annual haj (or pilgrimage). The holiday takes place the day before the start of Eid Al Adha. At dawn, Muslim pilgrims make their way from Mina to a nearby hillside called Mount Arafat and a plain called the Plain of Arafat.
The date is subject to moon-sighting and could change.

Eid Al Adha
Eid Al Adha translates to the 'festival of sacrifice'. The holiday honours Ibrahim and his willingness to sacrifice his son Ismail for Allah. Ismail is happy to oblige before Allah sends his angel, Jibra'il, to inform Ibrahim that he has already accepted the sacrifice from his heart.

Goats are sacrificed and divided into three parts: one part for the family, one part for relatives, and one part for the poor. The holiday begins on the 10th day of Dhu Al Hijja, the last month of the Hijri calendar.

Usually lasting for three days, it is very likely that workers will celebrate with a long weekend.
The date is subject to moon-sighting and could change.

Al Hijri, Islamic New Year
Al Hijri is the Islamic New Year.

The date is subject to moon-sighting and could change.

Prophet Mohammad's (PBUH) Birthday
The birthday of Prophet Mohammad (PBUH) is celebrated on the 12th day of Rabi Al Awwal. In Arabic, the holiday is referred to as Eid Al Mawlid an Nabawi.

The date is subject to moon-sighting and could change.

Commemoration Day
Commemoration Day (sometimes referred to as Martyr's Day) is a new public holiday and is fixed on November 30. The day was declared by His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, in 2015 to honour Emiratis who have died for their country.

December 2, UAE National Day
The UAE's National Day is fixed on December 2 each year. Although the UAE or the Trucial States as it was known until 1971, was never part of the British Empire, it was a British Protectorate. The protectorate treaty was withdrawn on December 1 1971, paving the way for the federal unification of the Trucial States.
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, and Fujairah made up the original UAE, with Ras Al Khaimah joining in a year later in 1972.
GUIDANCE
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+ Indians and Pakistanis having US, UK or Schenegen visa can get Saudi visit visa on arrival
+ Rent-a-bike service launched in Dubai
+ When can UAE Police/Court seize your passport?
+ How to file a civil case in the UAE?
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+ FTA Approved Tax Agent 
+ UAE residents can go visa free or just with an e-visa
+ What is UAEPASS?
+ UAE: What is insolvency law?
+ Alcohol licence in the UAE
+ Emiratis can get India visa on arrival
+ Apply for jobs through MOHRE website
+ OCI Registration Service - Overseas Citizen Of India Cardholder
+ OWWA for Filipino expat workers: Pay your $25 biennial fees online or via app
+ Abu Dhabi road toll gates 
+ Free SIM card for every tourist in Dubai
+ Tourist Destinations in Dubai
+ Know the Location: Al Barsha, Dubai
+ Electronic Family Book for UAE citizens and residents
+ Al Kifaf Municipality Centre offers services round the clock
+ Pension fund contributions a must for Filipinos
+ How to get UAE citizenship?
+ TAMM service centers in Abu Dhabi
+ Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) e-Card
+ E-media licence in UAE for social media influencers-NMC
+ Housing Fees in Dubai (How to update residential data in DM site?)
+ Pakistan eases visa policy; e-Visa for 175 countries
+ Mutual consent divorce process in the UAE
+ Daily RTA bus service to Muscat from Dubai
+ A guide to moving to Dubai with children
+ Management Skills Placement Test for Consulting License in Dubai
+ Employer should bear Health Insurance Cost in UAE
+ DHA licence of expats won’t be cancelled on their exit
+ Bahrain Tourist Visa
+ Marriage Solemnization at Indian Consulate
+ Tips to avoid job scams and Fakes Certificates
+ How to settle UAE bank loan from outside the country?
+ Two year 'Visiting Doctor's Licence' in Dubai
+ Qualifications to be a teacher in UAE
+ Good conduct certificate must for teachers in UAE
+ Top 10 Passports in the World, UAE passport ranked the most powerful
+ Driving License formalities in Dubai, UAE
+ Driving License Validation Letter from RTA (Dubai)
+ Driving License attestation from Indian Consulate
+ No need driver's licence test for drivers from these countries
+ Verify your Dubai Visa before travel
+ Verify your Abu Dhabi Visa before travel
+ UAE Alcohol Law
+ Death Cases and formalities at different departments in Dubai
+ Saudi Arabia grants tourism visa for foreign travellers
+ Saudi Arabia reduces visa fee for Pakistanis
+ Death Cases and formalities at different departments in Saudi Arabia (KSA)
+ Duel Citizenship option in European Countries
+ Visa-free European travel destinations from UAE
+ Tourist Destinations in Abu Dhabi
+ Tourist Destinations in Sharjah
+ Dubai Investments Park (DIP)
+ About Dubai & United Arab Emirates 
+ Dubai Government Departments and Online Links
+ How to report a food poisoning case in Dubai?
+ Philippines begins issuing 10-year passports
+ What is EXPO 2020 Dubai?
+ Embassies & Consulates, Dubai & Abu Dhabi - UAE
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UAE visa restrictions due to COVID-19

I am visitor/tourist in the UAE and can I renew my visa?
Visitors within the UAE can extend their stay in the country by applying for a new visit or tourist visa through any tour agency.

 Due to the spread of COVID-19, tourists and visitors inside the country can extend their stay by applying for a new visa during their stay here.

 Tourists and visitors can either leave the country when their visa expires or change the status by getting a new visa through tourist companies, the source said. Visitors can get sponsors like family members to apply for the new visa if he or she is still inside the country.

 What happens if I stay on without renewing the visa?
People who stay in the country without changing their status on the expiry of their visas will be subject of fines.

 Overstay fine calculator for tourists or visitor:
Dh200 for first day

 Dh100 for each subsequent day, plus a one-time Dh100 processing fee.

 Can I renew my residency permit now?
Residents in the UAE can renew their residency permits if they are still inside the country.

 Residents who are transferring their residency to a different sponsor inside the country can still do so too.

 Moreover, if a person has cancelled his residency and cannot leave the country due to the spread of COVID-19, he can change his status by applying for a visit visa through tourist agencies.

 I have a residency visa and am overseas and cannot fly. The duration of my stay abroad has crossed 180 days? What will happen to my residency?

 As things stand, people with a valid UAE residency but are out of the country for more than 180 days, will have their residency cancelled if they don’t arrive in the UAE before the grace period. However, such people are advised to check with the concerned authority after two weeks for any updates or new instructions.

 I am resident who went on a holiday to Mumbai and was to return on March 24. I urgently need to come back, how can I?
Holders of valid UAE residency, who are currently out of the country, were suspended from entry for a renewable period of two weeks effective noon on Thursday, March 19.

 Is home quarantine a must if I’ve returned from abroad?
UAE Attorney General Hamad Al Shamsi said that every person coming to the UAE must abide by the duration of the home quarantine in his place for 14 days.

 What happens if I don’t self-quarantine?
Anyone found leaving his place of residence during the quarantine period will be punishable by law. The penalty includes jail, fine or both.

 If I cancel my residency and cannot travel to my home country, what should I do?
You can change your status by going to a travel agency and applying for a visit visa.

 Whom should I contact to resolve my visa problem?
Contact GDRFA Amer Call Centre 8005111.

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UAE to suspend visa on arrival from March 19

Dubai Airports advised customers to check with their airline in advance of travel.
Effective March 17, UAE authorities have temporarily suspended the issuance of all entry visas. This does not apply to those passengers holding diplomatic passports or those who have had visas issued prior to March 17.

 Screening on Arrival
On arrival to Dubai International (DXB) all passengers will go through a non-intrusive thermal scanning process as they pass through customs.

 Additional checks
Those arriving from any of the countries listed below will undergo thermal screening and nasal swab. This level of screening is being carried out by Dubai Health Authority’s (DHA) airport medical centre team at Dubai International (DXB) and limited to the following countries:

 • Italy – Rome

 • Lebanon (until March 16)

 • People’s Republic of China – Beijing

 • Syria (until March 16)

 • Thailand

 What about when I exit the country? Will I be subject to screening?
All passengers departing on passenger flights bound for destinations in the United States will also undergo thermal screening.

 Which flights have been suspended from the UAE?
As directed by the relevant authorities, all scheduled passenger flights to and from the following countries have been temporarily suspended until further notice:

 • Bahrain

 • Iraq (effective as of March 17)

 • Islamic Republic of Iran

 • Italy, except for Rome

 • Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

 • Kuwait

 • Lebanon (effective as of March 17)

 • People’s Republic of China, except for Beijing

 • Syria (effective as of March 17)

 • Turkey (effective as of March 17)

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In India: Indians who have visited coronavirus-affected countries to be quarantined 14 Days

Will Indian nationals planning on returning home be quarantined?
Yes, but only those Indian nationals who have visited China, Republic of Korea, Iran, Italy, Spain, France and Germany on or after February 15, 2020 will be quarantined for 14 days.

 Is “COVID-19 Negative Certificate” mandatory for Indians?
Only for those who are coming from Republic of Korea or Italy.
Will Indians transiting through these seven countries — China, Republic of Korea, Iran, Italy, Spain, France and Germany — be quarantined on arrival in India?
No. Transit through airport is not considered stay.

 For Indians who want to go abroad
Can Indians travel abroad?
Yes, but Indian national are strongly advised to avoid non-essential travel to coronavirus-affected countries.

 On their return to India from affected countries (China, Republic of Korea, Iran, Italy, Spain, France and Germany) they will be quarantined.
Do visas of foreigners in India remain valid? Can foreigners extend their Indian visas before expiry?
Yes, the visas of all foreigners in India remain valid.

 They may contact the nearest Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO)/ Foreigners Registration Officer (FRO) for extension or conversion of their visa or grant of any consular service.

 Can foreigners living in India travel out of the country and return?
Yes, they can go out of India.

 However, before April 15, 2020, they would require a fresh visa to enter India again.
About the new norms introduced on March 11 by Indian government.

 Meanwhile on Wednesday, March 11, the Bureau of Immigration under the Home Ministry of India announced it is suspending visas to the country to curtail the spread of COVID-19 coronavirus.

 The statement said: “All existing visas, except diplomatic, official, UN/international organisations, employment, project visas, stand suspended till 15th April 2020.”

 With regards to foreign nationals applying for Indian visas, which visa categories are allowed to enter India?
Those who hold employment and project visa, diplomatic passport holders, official passport holders, those in UN / International organisations.

 Are dependents of exempted visa category allowed?
No.

 Are infants / children who hold foreign passports but parents Indian, allowed?
No. They are required to get fresh visa from Indian Mission / Post.

 Are Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives passport holders allowed?
Nepal and Bhutan nationals are allowed. Maldives nationals require visa.

 Are foreign nationals with RC/RP/Stay visa allowed to enter?
Only those foreigners who have RC / RP / Stay visa with respect to employment  / project visas.

 Is COVID-19 Negative Certificate mandatory?
Only for those foreigners who are travelling to India from / visited Italy or Republic of Korea.

 Can foreigners avail direct transit facility at Indian airport?
Yes. However, even in transit, medical screening is mandatory.

 Who is the competent authority to issue COVID-19 Negative Certificates in Italy and Republic of Korea?
Hospitals / labs recognised by Governement of Italy and Republic of Korea respectively.

 FOR OCI CARD HOLDERS
Are OCI Card holders allowed?
No. They are required to get fresh visa from Indian mission / post.

 Are infants / children who hold foreign passports with OCI cards but parents are Indian passport holders allowed?
No. Infants / children are required to get fresh visa from Indian mission / post.

 NEW VISA RESTRICTIONS TO INDIA
All existing visas issued to nationals of any country stand suspended until April 15, 2020.

 However, exemptions have been made for diplomats, officials, UN/ international organisations, employment and project visas. The new norms have taken effect from March 13.

 What about those with Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards?
Visa free travel facility granted to OCI card holders shall be kept in abeyance till April 15, 2020.

 What if a foreigner has a pressing need to visit the country?
Any foreign national who intends to travel to India for compelling reasons may contact the nearest Indian mission for fresh visa.

 Is there any restriction on international travel over land?
International traffic through land borders will be restricted to designated immigration check posts with medical screening facilities.
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Dubai reduce cost of doing business and living

• Suspension of 2.5% market fees, recovery of 20% of custom fees on imported products sold locally
• Cancellation of the Dh50,000 bank guarantee or cash required to exercise customs clearance activity
• 90% reduction on the fees imposed on submitting customs documents.
• Cancellation of the 25% down payment for requesting the installment of government fees for licensing and renewing licenses
• The water and electricity bills will be cut by 10% for all Dubai customers, including residential, commercial and industrial
• 50% reduction of the Municipality fee on hotel sales
• Companies will be exempted from postponement fees for tourism and sports activities in 2020
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