UAE rejects claim over laws to expel Qataris

The UAE refuted Doha’s claims that it had passed laws or orders relating to the expulsion of Qataris from the Emirates.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation reiterated that its continuing requirement is that Qatari citizens resident in the UAE should obtain prior permission for re-entry to UAE territory.

In a statement published by the state news agency Wam, the ministry rebutted recent claims by Qatar.

It said the UAE had not passed any laws or orders pertaining to the expulsion of Qataris from the Emirates, nor had it taken any action towards expelling Qataris who remain in the country beyond a 14-day deadline.

Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain and Egypt cut diplomatic and transport ties with Doha on June 5 last year over its support of extremist groups and interference in other countries’ affairs.

The measures included that Qataris resident in the three GCC countries leave within 14 days.

Qatari nationals studying in the GCC countries or married to Saudi or Emirati citizens were excluded from the measure.

“Since its announcement on June 5, 2017, pursuant to which the United Arab Emirates took certain measures against Qatar for national security reasons, the UAE has instituted a requirement for all Qatari citizens overseas to obtain prior permission for entry into the UAE,” the ministry said.

“However, all Qatari citizens resident in the UAE are encouraged to obtain prior permission for re-entry into UAE territory.

It said applications for entry should be made at 0971 800 2626

The statement came after Doha claimed at the UN International Court of Justice in The Hague last month that Qataris residing in the UAE “live in the shadow of the UAE’s expulsion order”.

“As a result of the false accusations made by the State of Qatar against the UAE, the UAE deems it necessary to affirm its long-standing policy on the entry and residence conditions applicable to persons of Qatari citizenship,” the ministry said.

“The UAE affirms its full respect and appreciation for the people of Qatar.

Doha has so far refused to meet the quartet’s 13 demands – including the closure of Qatar government-owned Al Jazeera news channel, which the quartet says provides a platform for extremists and dissidents.

Doha has refused to meet the quartet’s 13 demands – including the closure of Qatar government-owned Al Jazeera news channel