EMERGENCY RELIEF TO HELP EXPATS
Major-General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, Director-General of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, answered some pressing questions regarding facilities for individuals who’ve suffered job losses. “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? A. 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 big companies so that 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 postCovid-19 plan for tourism in Dubai?
There are meetings and communication with tourism companies to layout plans for the 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 tests being done by medical teams round 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 as well as flydubai. The Dubai Health Authority also has a role to play in the safe repatriation of passengers.