Expats can return to UAE on Emirates, Etihad flights from June 1

  DUBAI – UAE-based airlines Emirates and Etihad are now scheduling flights from 17 cities, including Manila and London, to help expatriates return to the UAE. The flights are available to expats with valid residence visa to the UAE and have obtained approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). On Monday (May 18), the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship announced that expatriates who have been stuck abroad amid the coronavirus outbreak will be able to return to the UAE from June 1. The authorities, in a joint statement, said those wishing to return to the UAE must have a valid residency visa and family in the UAE to be brought back to the country. Residents who meet these criteria can then apply for approval or permit. Click here for guide on how to apply for ICA approval Etihad is operating flights to the UAE from Amsterdam, Barcelona, Frankfurt, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, London, Manila, Melbourne, Seoul, Singapore, Tokyo and Toronto. The scheduled flights have been in operation since May 9 and will continue until May 30, according to Etihad. Etihad also said it is operating a one-off service from Abu Dhabi to Toronto on May 21, and Toronto to Abu Dhabi on May 22. It has also scheduled a flight from Abu Dhabi to Belgrade on May 21, and Belgrade to Abu Dhabi on the same day. Meanwhile, Emirates will start flights to the UAE from Chicago, Frankfurt, London Heathrow, Madrid, Melbourne, Milan, Paris, Sydney and Toronto on May 21. Scheduled flights from these cities will continue until June 30.

Etihad flights to Abu Dhabi

* Amsterdam: May 1, 3, 8, 10 and 15 * Barcelona: May 24 and 31, June 7 and 14 * Belgrade: May 21 * Dublin: May 23 and 30, June 6 and 13 * Frankfurt: May 24, 26 and 31, June 2, 7, 9 and 14 * Geneva: May 23 and 30, June 6 and 13 * Jakarta: May 29, June 5 and 12 * Kuala Lumpur: May 23 and 30, June 6 and 13 * London: May 20, 21, 23, 25, 27, 28, June 1, 3, 4, 6, 8, 10, 11, 13 and 15 * Manila: May 20, 23, 30 * Melbourne: May 21, 23 and 29, June 5 and 12 * Milan: May 24 and 31, June 7 and 14 * Tokyo: May 20 and 27, June 3 and 10 * Paris: May 24 and 31, June 7 and 14 * Seoul: May 22 and 29, June 5 and 12 * Singapore: May 20, June 3 and 10 * Sydney: May 27, June 3 and 10 * Toronto: May 22 *Flights subject to change based on availability and government approval. Go to Etihad website for updates
Lufthansa also announced that it will resume its Frankfurt-Dubai flight from June 7, subject to government approval.

Who can book a flight to the UAE?

Expatriates who wish to book a flight to the UAE must have a valid residence visa, a family in the UAE and approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). They must get an ICA number through the Twajudi service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. The ICA number will be required when booking a flight to the UAE.

How do I get an ICA number through Twajudi?

The Twajudi for Residents is available to expatriates with a valid residence visa but are currently outside the country due to the coronavirus pandemic and need to return to the UAE for urgent work or emergency. To send your application, click here and follow instructions. https://www.expatmedia.net/expats-stranded-outside-uae-register-return-dubai-abu-dhabi-emirates/2020/05/

What is expected of passengers on these flights?

Passengers must wear a face mask and hand gloves, while also observing social distancing rules.

What happens when I arrive in the UAE?

In Dubai, passengers will need to undergo mandatory Covid-19 test on arrival followed by a mandatory 14-day quarantine and follow up test before they are allowed to return to their homes. Quarantine facilities will be assigned. In Abu Dhabi, passengers will undergo a Covid-19 test on arrival and will be asked to go on self-quarantine for 14 days. ICA/Expat Media https://www.expatmedia.net/uae-repatriation-flights-india-resume-may-26/2020/05/ https://www.expatmedia.net/please-help-us-return-uae-say-expats-stuck-abroad/2020/05/ https://www.expatmedia.net/uae-issues-new-rules-allow-expats-return-june-1/2020/05/ https://www.expatmedia.net/emirates-etihad-open-flights-allow-expats-return-uae/2020/05/ https://www.expatmedia.net/dubai-airports-ceo-warns-ticket-prices-will-4-times-higher/2020/05/
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