Combating coronavirus: Flexible UAE visa transfer facilities to be made possible

Flexible transfer of visas from one company to another, and extended stay under the sponsorship of one company while working for another entity are some of the special facilities that are being offered by the Dubai government, according to the head of the immigration department in Dubai.

Major General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, the Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) said that flexible visa extension programmes have been established as part of the measures for residents who have lost their jobs and can't return to their home countries.

He was speaking at a virtual press conference organised by the Dubai Media Office and was joined by Dr Amer Al Sharif, head of Covid-19 Command and Control Centre and the vice-chancellor of the Mohammed bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences (MBRU) on Thursday.

Flexible visa transfers offered

Major General Al Marri said, "Residency visas that have expired on March 1 will be valid till end of the year, and residents will be allowed to stay till the end of the year, without paying any fines. They will be allowed to live legally in the UAE."

"For those who have lost their jobs, they are free to look out for other job opportunities and we will facilitate the transfer of visa from one company to the other. We are also looking to create a system where residents can keep the visa with the previous sponsor, and work with another entity," explained Al Marri.

How is the UAE helping expats who've lost their jobs?

Major General Al Marri answers some pressing questions regarding facilities for individuals who've suffered job losses. He said, "The UAE is capable of containing this pandemic. We are working remotely, and I would like to pay tribute to the UAE nationals and residents for adhering to the precautionary measures and staying at home."

Q. For residents who lost their jobs, what facilities are in place for them from GDRFA?

Since their visas will be valid and seen as legal till year-end, they are free to look for other job opportunities and their status will remain legal till the end of the year.

Q. What about the transfer of sponsorship?

We will support them with facilities and flexibility if they wish to move to work for another company. We will also provide facilities for people who can stay under the sponsorship of one company and work for another.

Q. What are the procedures for the densely populated areas?

The permanent committee of labourers affairs is in constant communication with business owners to secure a decent life for workers in Dubai in addition to conducting awareness campaigns. We are coordinating with the big companies so workers can continue living in the UAE with dignity. We are conducting health, nutrition, and other awareness campaigns and taking measures in their transportation from one point to another.

Q. What is the post-Covid-19 plan for tourism in Dubai?

There are meetings and communication with tourism companies to layout plans for the future return of tourism once the picture gets clearer about the global situation.

Q. What are the measures taken at the border points to stop the spread of the virus?

There are medical tests being done by medical teams around the clock at the Dubai airports, Port Rashid, and Hatta border passage. The tests cover the employees as well as passengers.

Q. What are the facilities for expats who want to leave the UAE?

The mechanism of departure for them is sorted out in coordination with several other authorities. Medical tests are conducted for passengers before they reach the immigration control. We are also keen on providing masks and gloves for all those who need them. We are working in coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, airlines such as Emirates Airlines, as well as flydubai and the Dubai Health Authority, also has a role to play in the safe repatriation of passengers.
mary@khaleejtimes.com