UAE Suspends ALL Types of Labour Permits and Entry of ALL Valid Visa Holders

Drastic times call for drastic measures, and the COVID-19 outbreak definitely calls for such measures. Starting Thursday, 19th March 2020, the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) has suspended the issuance of all types of labour permits, until further notice.

According to the Ministry, the decision was made as part of the country’s precautionary measures to help contain and prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus or COVID-19.

All Labour Permits and Entry of Valid Visa Holders Now Suspended

The Ministry’s latest move was taken in coordination with the UAE’s National Emergency and Crisis and Disasters Management Authority, WAM News Agency reported.

The suspension covers all type of labour permits, including those for domestic workers and drivers. However, EXPO 2020 permits and intra-corporate transfers are exempted.

Also starting on Thursday, the UAE is suspending the entry of all its valid visa holders who are currently out of the country, for a renewable period of two weeks. This new rule is effective beginning 12:00 noon of 19th March 2020.

Again, this latest measure is subject to renewal, depending on the situation in relation to COVID-19, and was taken to help curb the outbreak in the country.

Instructions for UAE Visa Holders

Are you a valid visa holder who is currently out of the country? If so, here are the steps that you can take, as prescribed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC):

  1. If you are currently in your home country, contact the UAE diplomatic mission in your country for the necessary support and to facilitate your return to the UAE.
  2. If you are outside the UAE for business purposes, contact your UAE employer as well as the UAE diplomatic mission in your country for the necessary support and to facilitate your return to the UAE.
  3. If you are on vacation, contact the UAE diplomatic mission in your host country for the necessary support and to facilitate your return to the UAE.

For more specific information and instructions, you may contact the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) through the following:

Landline: 02 3128867 – 02 3128865
Mobile: 0501066099
Fax: 025543883
Email: operation@ica.gov.ae

Through a statement, the ICA reiterated that these decisions are part of the precautionary measures taken to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The measures taken by the UAE — and around the world, for that matter — seem to be getting tighter everyday. Of course, we must understand that these are all necessary to combat the COVID-19 outbreak. In the meantime, let us do our part by following these tips for avoiding the novel coronavirus.