UAE residents flying back to Dubai still require GDRFA approval

UAE residents flying back to Dubai still require GDRFA approval

UAE residents flying back to Dubai continue to require approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) to board their flights.

While the ICA pre-approval for UAE residents has been cancelled from Wednesday, August 12, the GDRFA confirmed on Twitter that the directive does not apply to Dubai visa holders.

Entry permit approval is needed for Dubai residents.

“” GDRFA DUBAI إقامة دبي (@GDRFADUBAI) August 13, 2020

Indian carrier Air India Express also confirmed the news on Twitter.

"Dubai authorities have revoked the decision to allow returning residents without ICA/GDRFA approval,“ the airline said on Thursday.

"Dubai residence visa holders who are flying back to Dubai must have return approval from the GDRFA,“ it said. The airline is currently operating repatriation flights from the UAE