Facilitating the return of residents abroad, even if their residency has expired

The Director General of the General Department of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai, Lieutenant General Mohammed Ahmed Al Marri, confirmed that the handling of events since the beginning of the crisis took place at the highest level, noting that the work teams continued to perform their duties normally at various air, land and sea ports, and facilitated return procedures for residents outside the country, even if their residency had expired, and travelers violating the residency law were also excluded.

In detail, Al-Marri said, in statements to CNB Sait Al-Arabiya: “There is no doubt that we are going through a crisis, but the employees were at the top of their work, whether in the service provision centers or at the ports,” explaining that the movement of passengers continued, although the numbers were less than usual, but it was dealt with with high efficiency and without any obstacles.

He added that what attracted most attention during the recent period and since the beginning of the crisis was the state of calm and reassurance shown by travelers, whether upon arrival or departure, stressing that this positive behavior was “heartwarming” and contributed greatly to facilitating procedures.

He explained that the UAE is always keen to treat residents with the same level of care given to citizens, noting that some residents have been allowed to enter the country even if their residency has expired, and the departure of violators has been facilitated without complications.

He pointed out that flexible solutions were provided for a limited number of cases, including providing means of transportation for passengers who were in a hurry to leave through land ports to the Al-Wajjah port in the Sultanate of Oman, to facilitate their travel under the existing circumstances.
Al Marri stressed that the work system at Dubai Airports operates with high efficiency in various circumstances, whether in normal times or during crises, pointing out that coordination between various agencies, including Dubai Police, Civil Aviation, Dubai Airports, and airline companies, was a model to be emulated.
He added: “We did not encounter any significant problems in dealing with travelers. On the contrary, we saw great understanding, as many showed flexibility even when changing the dates of their flights.” He pointed out that there are clear directives to facilitate procedures inside and outside the country, stressing that the priority was and continues to be for the human being, whether a citizen, resident or visitor.
Al Marri praised the efforts of all entities working within the airport system, stressing that the expressions of thanks and appreciation received from travelers reflect the exceptional level of service that was provided during this period.