No one could have predicted that an outbreak from Wuhan City last December would affect not only mainland China, but almost every country in the world, including the UAE. As the number of cases continue to rise, so do the measures aiming to help contain and prevent them.
Also Read: UAE Visit/Tourist Visa Holders Affected by Airport Closure Can Extend their Stay
Among these latest measures are those that would make life easier for residents and visitors in the country, especially those who are worried about incurring overstaying fines and medical test fees.
GDRFA Assures there will be No Overstaying Fines
No overstaying fines will be charged from UAE residents and visitors whose visas will expire within the next three months, the General Directorate for Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has announced, as reported by Emarat Al Youm. The decision will be subject to further review and possible extensions.
According to the Director-General of the GDRFA in Dubai, His Excellency Major General Mohammed Al Marri, this latest move goes in line with the UAE government’s measures for the benefit of those who are currently residing in the country.
Frontliners Have Gone Medical Tests
Notably, Al Marri assured the public that all of their frontline employees at Customer Happiness Centres are free of the virus, since all of them have undergone medical tests. He also said that the government has been able to protect all frontline employees at Dubai airports, land ports, and sea ports — even during the early stages of the outbreak.
For those who have any queries about their visas, the Director-General also urged them to call the administration’s toll-free number, 8005111.
“With the onset of the crisis, the administration began preparing and strengthening work in the call centres, which provide services in most languages for the nationalities present in the state,” Al Marri said, sharing that the UAE is “a homeland for all and everyone who searches for security and stability.”
In addition, the Director-General cited the administration’s earlier initiatives that have been helpful toward preventing the outbreak. These initiatives include the remote issuance of visas and remote work among employees.
المري: لا غرامات على جميع المخالفين، لمدة ثلاثة أشهر قابلة للتمديد وفحوصات #كورونا مجانا للجميع، بمن فيهم مخالفي الإقامة #الإمارات_اليوم
— الإمارات اليوم (@emaratalyoum) April 1, 2020
Free Medical Tests for Even Residence Violators
Moreover, Al Marri said that medical tests for the outbreak are offered free for all, including residence violators — a decision that goes in line with the country’s vision of fair and equal treatment for all citizens, residents, and visitors.
The Director-General also advised everyone to continue abiding by the measures and procedures set by the administration, in order to help contain and prevent the outbreak.
With these measures in place — no overstaying fines, free medical tests for all — everyone can be assured that the UAE government has their safety, health, and well-being in mind. In the meantime, we should also be taking personal steps. The simple act of hand washing, staying at home, and trusting only official sources of information can go a long way.
