.png "Interview With Expat Saanika Gandhi, Author of Children's Book 'The Yellow Kite'")
Some Dubai expats who are stuck abroad will have their expired residency visas automatically extended until December 9th, 2021
11 August 2021
| Last updated on 11 August 2021
Relief for a select number of expats stranded outside of the UAE with expired visas.
An additional extension will be given to some Dubai expats whose residency visas expired while stuck abroad due to Covid-19 travel restrictions.
According to a Khaleej Times article, expired residency visas will be automatically extended until December 9, 2021.
This will also include the one-month grace period after visa expiry.
In mid-2021, UAE suspended inbound flights from several countries in the "red" list. Among these countries are India, Sri Lanka, and Philippines. As a result, many expat residents have remained stranded abroad, and over time, some have had their residency visas expire.
How to apply for approval to travel back into the UAE
For any residents who wish to return to the UAE, ICA or GDRFA approval is required.
We've compiled a handy step-by-step guide on how to apply for ICA or GDRFA approval to fly back into the UAE, HERE.
Pictured: Dubai residents using a foot bridge.
Residents stranded abroad can also check their UAE visa status on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA) website, HERE.
Those travelling back into the emirates must follow all other Covid-19 testing protocols set by the government.
However, some expired UAE residency visas may continue to show an expired status.
.png?itok=EH_x0Pha "Experience Extended Stays and Special Savings at Le Meridien Al Aqah Beach Resort UAE")
