Important Updates
Important Updates
August 26, 2025 | CroatiaCroatia: Digital Nomad Visa Now Available
August 27, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Amended Social Security Contributions for Saudi Nationals
August 27, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposes to Replace Admission for Duration of Status with Fixed Periods of Stay for F, J, and I Nonimmigrants, Eliminate Deference to Prior Adjudications
August 27, 2025 | 🌐Worldwide/Ukraine: Temporary Protection Status - Country-Specific Updates
August 26, 2025 | Moldova Moldova: Digital Nomad Visa Program Forthcoming
August 26, 2025 | CroatiaCroatia: Digital Nomad Visa Now Available
August 27, 2025 | Saudi ArabiaSaudi Arabia: Amended Social Security Contributions for Saudi Nationals
August 27, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: DHS Proposes to Replace Admission for Duration of Status with Fixed Periods of Stay for F, J, and I Nonimmigrants, Eliminate Deference to Prior Adjudications
August 27, 2025 | 🌐Worldwide/Ukraine: Temporary Protection Status - Country-Specific Updates
August 26, 2025 | Moldova Moldova: Digital Nomad Visa Program Forthcoming
August 26, 2025 | CroatiaCroatia: Digital Nomad Visa Now Available
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Unable to Return to the UAE or Your Home Country? Here is What You Need to Know

May 21, 2020

Dubai aerial skyline looking at Burj Khalifa and pond

Country / Territory

  • United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates

Related contacts

Photo of Marcin Kubarek

Marcin Kubarek

Director

Dubai (DIC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:971 (0) 4 818 1722

Related offices

  • Abu Dhabi
  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Marcin Kubarek

Marcin Kubarek

Director

Dubai (DIC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:971 (0) 4 818 1722

Related offices

  • Abu Dhabi
  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Marcin Kubarek

Marcin Kubarek

Director

Dubai (DIC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:971 (0) 4 818 1722

Related offices

  • Abu Dhabi
  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

By: Marcin Kubarek, Angharad James

Amid the current pandemic, the UAE government has implemented many new policies and measures aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19. These efforts have included the suspension of entry of UAE residents, announced on 19 March, which came with a temporary mobility restriction of all inbound and outbound flights. While inevitable, this decision left both visitors in the UAE unable to return to their home countries, as well as Emiratis and foreign nationals with a residence visa unable to return to the UAE. The restrictions imposed have left many families separated from each other on an unprecedented scale.

Return of Emiratis and foreign residents to the UAE

A few days after the borders were closed, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) introduced a service called “Twajudi,” which aims to facilitate a safe return to the UAE, and includes initiatives to allow repatriation of Emiratis and returning foreign residents. The Twajudi service encourages users to register through the MOFAIC website by completing an online questionnaire and uploading copies of personal documents, including passport and residence permit. The registration process later moved to the electronic portal of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC). The FAIC  is now responsible for approving the applications and individuals can track the status of their application here. Upon successful review of the application, the foreign national will receive an email from the MOFAIC with a unique approval code which will be provided to the airline to book his or her flight.

The MOFAIC has shown that the return of doctors, teachers and emergency cases are their highest priority. For instance, there have been several success stories regarding the reunion of parents separated from their children. The approvals also seem to be aligned with the recent decision of resuming inbound flights from select destinations, which gives tremendous hope of a return for those who have been caught by a sudden change of circumstance with no option to travel back to the UAE.

Repatriation of Foreign Nationals

Considering the UAE is a prime destination for tourism, the closure of international borders and the cancellation of flights resulted in many visitors, including those who have been left unemployed due to the pandemic, unable to return home. Once the decision to resume limited passenger flights was made, a special committee for facilitating the repatriation of Emiratis and foreign nationals was formed.

According to the Emirates News Agency, as of 19th April a total of 2,286 Emirati citizens had returned to the UAE in 86 repatriation trips, and as of 30th April more than 37,000 foreign nationals have been repatriated from the UAE in 127 trips to several countries within Europe, the U.S., the Middle East and Asia. The latter repatriations have been completed through a close cooperation between the MOFAIC and the governments of other countries. While there are still ongoing developments, 7 May saw the first repatriation flight from the UAE to India, which was made possible after lengthy negotiations between the governments of both countries. This flight enabled more than 300 people to return safely home to India. However, there are still considerably more awaiting the return to their home country.

Aside from the above efforts, the UAE government announced those who do not benefit from these initiatives will not face any consequences for overstaying their visa terms, and that the validity of their visa has been automatically extended until the end of December 2020.

While repatriation flights are ongoing on an almost daily basis, the preparations for the resumption of regular services is also now underway. If someone is currently abroad and unable to return to the UAE, we recommend that that person register his or her application through the FAIC portal and check its status daily.  We also advise to remain in touch with the nearest UAE embassy or consulate for any further updates.

If you have questions regarding the matters described in this blog, please do not hesitate to contact your Fragomen immigration professional or Angharad James at [email protected].

This blog was released on 21 May 2020 and, due to the circumstances, there are frequent changes. To keep up to date with all the latest updates on global immigration, please visit our  COVID-19 microsite and subscribe to our alerts. You may also follow our LinkedIn account.

Country / Territory

  • United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates

Related contacts

Photo of Marcin Kubarek

Marcin Kubarek

Director

Dubai (DIC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:971 (0) 4 818 1722

Related offices

  • Abu Dhabi
  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Marcin Kubarek

Marcin Kubarek

Director

Dubai (DIC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:971 (0) 4 818 1722

Related offices

  • Abu Dhabi
  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related contacts

Photo of Marcin Kubarek

Marcin Kubarek

Director

Dubai (DIC), United Arab Emirates

Email

[email protected]

T:971 (0) 4 818 1722

Related offices

  • Abu Dhabi
  • Dubai (DIC)
  • Dubai (DIFC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Video

Dubai Introduces a ‘One Free Zone Passport’ – What It Is & How It’s Used | #MobilityMinute

Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Charles Johanes contributes to Global Mobility Lawyer’s Guide to Global Immigration

Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Viewpoint: Immigration Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Today’s Employers

Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Learn more

Blog post

From Ground Staff to Game Day: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2025 and the Impact on the Hidden Workforce in Sports Sector

Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Learn more

Video

German Citizenship by Descent Explained

Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Immigration: Huge Fall in Health and Care Worker Visas

Partner Siobhan Owers discussed how visa reforms are reducing available international staff and creating workforce challenges in the UK care sector.

Learn more

Video

Dubai Introduces a ‘One Free Zone Passport’ – What It Is & How It’s Used | #MobilityMinute

Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Learn more

Video

Navigating Business Travel in Germany: Essential Insights | #MobilityMinute

Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Learn more

Awards

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris Named 2025 New England Legal Awards Finalists

Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Advocate: Navigating the Complexities of Business Immigration Law

Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Learn more

Awards

Fragomen Attorneys Recognized in the 2026 Edition of The Best Lawyers in America™

The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Learn more

Video

Greek Citizenship by Descent: Are You Eligible?

In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Learn more

Blog post

Start Smart: Visa Pathways for Educational Opportunities in Thailand

Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Partner Charles Johanes contributes to Global Mobility Lawyer’s Guide to Global Immigration

Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Learn more

Media mentions

Pittsburgh Business Times: Viewpoint: Immigration Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Today’s Employers

Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Learn more

Blog post

From Ground Staff to Game Day: UK Skilled Worker Visa Changes in 2025 and the Impact on the Hidden Workforce in Sports Sector

Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.