Residents and visitors relieved at visa validity extension

ABU DHABI — UAE residents and visitors have expressed relief as the authorities announced an extension on validity of all visas, entry permits and Emirates ID cards till the end of the year. Briefing the media in a virtual Press conference on the Covid-19 situation in the country on Monday, Colonel Khamis Al Kaabi, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship spokesperson, had said that “all visas and entry permits expiring from March 1 shall remain valid until the end of December 2020”.

Abu Dhabi resident Ashraf Jaffer is a happy man as he became a father again, and the new announcement has added to his celebrations. His wife now gets more time to rest after her delivery at her native place in India. “My pregnant wife and two-year-old son left for Delhi, India, last November. She delivered a baby this month. Now they don’t have to rush back within the six-month period even if travel restrictions are eased. I hope there is no change being made to this relaxation.”

Arun Kumar’s visit visa expired last month and he was worried about incurring fines. He is now overjoyed that he will be able to stay legally in the country till December without having to pay overstay fines. “I was anxious as I don’t have enough money to pay the fine. This actually is too good to be true. But I will leave once travel ban is removed. I wish to return home. I doubt I can remain till December.”

UAE resident Akarsh S., who is stuck in India as travel was suspended is a relieved man. “I work in Sharjah for a Fujairah-based company. I had to rush to Kerala in February for a family medical emergency. My resident visa was valid till last week of March but then lockdown started and I couldn’t fly back to Sharjah. I was tensed but now there is hope. No need for renewals till December is great relief to employees and employers, too.”