Coronavirus: UAE extends entry suspension for visa holders abroad for two more weeks
The United Arab Emirates extended the suspension of
entry of all valid visa holders who are outside the country for two additional
weeks starting Thursday April 2, as part of the country’s efforts to combat the
spread of the coronavirus, state news agency WAM reported.
The suspension decision is subject to renewal after
the end of the two weeks as per the medical and epidemiological developments of
the COVID-19 pandemic.
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the latest updates.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation renewed its invitation to all those who have valid residency
residing outside the country to register for the new service "My presence
for residents" on the Ministry's website, as this service aims to
facilitate their safe return to the UAE in emergency cases.
The UAE has reported 814 confirmed coronavirus cases
and eight deaths as of Thursday, according to the ministry of health.
Travel Restrictions
The country had suspended issuing all entry visas
starting from March 17, and called on its citizens abroad to return to their
home country due to travel difficulties in light of the spread of the
coronavirus and the travel restrictions the government put in place to contain
the outbreak.
It also suspended on March 23 all passenger and
transit flights to and from the country for two weeks.
However, the UAE brought 1,743 of its citizens and
their companions home from abroad in 39 evacuation trips, and there are another
25 repatriation trips planned over the next few days.
Precautionary measures in the country
The UAE launched on Thursday March 26 a three-day
nationwide disinfection campaign which was later extended till April 5, during
which the authorities urged people to stay home from 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. everyday.
All malls, shopping centers, commercial centers, and
open markets except for fish, vegetable, and meat markets will be closed for
two weeks from March 23.
Restaurants will also only be limited to delivery
for the two-week period.
The UAE ordered on March 16 all hotels to close
their pubs, bars, and lounges. Gyms, electronic gaming centers, and spring
camps will also be closed until the end of the month.
Public beaches, swimming pools, cinemas, theme
parks, and tourist attractions are also closed until the end of March.
