Expired residency, entry permits and Emirates ID to be valid until year-end

abu dhabi — All UAE visas, entry permits and Emirates IDs will remain valid until the end of 2020, it was announced on Monday.

Briefing the media in a virtual Press conference on the Covid-19 situation in the country, Brigadier General Khamis Al Kaabi, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship spokesperson, said “all visas and entry permits expiring from March 1 shall remain valid until the end of December 2020”.

Brigadier General Al Kaabi added that they have received requests from many residents and visitors to join their families in their home countries. “We are working on coordinating these requests.”

Thousands of tests in a day

About 23,380 Covid-19 tests were done on Monday alone, Dr Farida Al Hosani, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) said. The UAE has the third highest testing density in the world, with 65,538 tests per million people. This is expected to go even higher with 14 drivethrough screening centres now actively testing residents.

Dr Al Hosani said testing is free for those with Covid-19 symptoms, respiratory issues, senior citizens and pregnant women.

Addressing social media rumours about the number of cases peaking in the country, she said it was impossible to determine an exact date for this. “Physical distancing is critical to reducing the number of cases.”

She urged residents to wear masks and gloves if they have to step out. “However, do not touch your personal stuff — especially phones — when wearing gloves.”

She also advised people to regularly wash hands with water and soap.

Meanwhile, the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention on

Monday announced 398 new cases of coronavirus. It also announced three deaths and 172 new recoveries in the country, taking the total recoveries to 852 cases.

All visas and entry permits expiring from March 1 shall remain valid until the end of December 2020

Brigadier General Khamis Al Kaabi, Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship spokesperson

Testing is free for those with Covid-19 symptoms, respiratory issues, senior citizens and pregnant women

Dr Farida Al Hosani, Ministry of Health and Prevention spokesperson