The pandemic has really made the government to act fast, not just in implementing the quarantine rules but also in giving exemptions to those who will have expired visas and work permits during this period. One good news is that the government has recently announced the automatic renewal of residence visas and work permits as well as the exemption medical tests for domestic workers.
The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP), Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and Ministry of Human Resource and Emiratisation (MoHRE) worked to make this decision happen.
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So, for domestic workers and labourers who have residence visas and work permits that are about to expire, your application is automatically processed and approved without the need to undergo a medical exam.
Who are the Workers Covered by the Automatic Visa and Medical Exam Exemption?
Workers can now automatically renew their visas and work permits without the need for medical exams.
- This decision applies to domestic workers, support service staff, and so on. The Ministry of Interior specifically said that “workers and employees whose residency visas have expired will be exempted from medical fitness test and their residency visa will be automatically renewed.”
Please see the announcement below from the Ministry of Interior UAE:
Under the protective measures adopted to limit coronavirus spread, work permits and residencies will be automatically renewed for establishments’ employees and domestic workers- with the exemption of the medical tests. #MOHRE #UAE pic.twitter.com/xdM0o8yiCr
— MOHRE_UAE وزارة الموارد البشرية والتوطين (@MOHRE_UAE) March 25, 2020
Below is another source from the Ministry of Interior in UAE:
التجديد التلقائي لإقامة العمل مع الإعفاء من الفحص الطبي ضمن الإجراءات للحد من انتشار فيروس “كورونا ”
Automatic renewal for residency visas in the UAE#خلك_في_البيت #stayhome #معاً_سنهزم_كورونا#فيروس_كورونا_المستجد #كوفيد19#together_we_will_win_covid19#coronavirus#covid19 pic.twitter.com/8IpoHdsgmo
— MOIUAE (@moiuae) March 25, 2020
Is the automatic renewal free?
NO, the automatic renewal only saves you from medical tests but not the renewal fees. According to the government, your sponsor still needs to pay for the fees through the authorized payment channels. Once the renewal fees are paid, the visa is automatically renewed and the worker maintain their legal residency in the UAE.
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship asked the business owners to report any suspected case of COVID-19 among their workers. It also urged all the workers in the UAE to adhere to the precautionary instructions for their own safety and for the safety of the community at large.
Reminders about Social Distancing
In case you are using public transportation, be reminded that the Dubai Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) has given new regulations for commuters. As part of the strategy of the city and the whole government of the UAE to contain the spread of the virus, bus shelters will be closed and taxis will only accept up to two passengers. You are advised to be updated regarding other distancing news.
This news about the automatic renewal is obviously a part of the movements being done by the UAE government to control the outbreak. As an expat, this might be a privilege because you don’t have to seek medical tests anymore. In return, you need to be extra careful when you are going out. Always exercise social distancing and avoid violating the quarantine rules. The UAE is very strict at this point and all we have to do is to follow.
