The residents could return to the UAE effective Sept. 12
The United Arab Emirates on Friday announced to allow the return of expats from a list of previously suspended countries, including Pakistan, as Expo 2020 is around the corner.
The residents holding valid UAE residence visas could return to the gulf state effective September 12 only if they are fully vaccinated with a shot approved by the World Health Organisation, said the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) in a statement issued Sept. 10.
Countries on UAE’s flight restriction list
Countries whose residents were previously banned to fly into UAE but can benefit from the recent travel relaxation include Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Vietnam, Namibia, Zambia, Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Liberia, South Africa, Nigeria, and Afghanistan.
The Expo 2020 organizers had previously said they expect remaining UAE flight restrictions imposed to curb coronavirus infections to be lifted in time for Expo 2020.
The UAE’s National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority said on Twitter that approval must be sought from the UAE government and various PCR tests must be taken in order to return.
All other previously announced precautionary measures for unvaccinated people coming from those countries will remain in place.
#NCEMA & ICA: Permitting to return of fully vaccinated with #WHO approved vaccines- holders of valid UAE residence visa coming from the countries previously on the suspended list, starting from 12 September 2021. pic.twitter.com/BgkJ8yT0GX
— NCEMA UAE (@NCEMAUAE) September 10, 2021
The Expo 2020
Dubai, a regional business and tourism hub, is set to host the Expo 2020 world fair from October 1, 2021, to March 31, 2022, after a year-long delay due to the pandemic. The expo was originally scheduled for October 20, 2020, to April 10, 2021. The UAE government is relying on the fair to give its economy a boost.
A total of 192 countries are set to participate in the expo fair and share their potential with the world. Approximately 25 million visitors from around the world are expected to visit the event.
Pakistan’s Pavilion at the Expo 2020
Pakistan will host a pavilion under the title “The Hidden Treasure,” in Expo 2020, aiming to portray the country’s vast opportunities in tourism and business, and show its magnificent economic potential to the global audience.