IMPACT – HIGH

The United Arab Emirates recently announced the reopening of some government service centers.

Key points:

  • Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) service centers are open. Hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  • Visitors are required to wear masks and gloves; no children or elderly people are allowed.

Additional information: Though government offices are reopening to a limited extent, inbound flights to the UAE remain suspended with the exception of a number of special flights provided by Etihad Airways until May 31. Departures are also restricted and only available for limited outbound repatriation flights.

All visas, entry permits and Emirates IDs that expired on or after March 1 will retain their validity until January 2021. The same is true for expatriate residency visas, whether or not the expatriates are in the country. Visitors who have remained in the UAE and whose visas expired after March 1 will have them extended until January 2021.

Analysis & Comments: The reopening of service centers will make some additional immigration services available, though services will be limited by shortened hours and reduced staffing. Delays should be expected. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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