Support services like domestic workers and labourers whose work permits have expired are exempted from undergoing medical tests for renewing their residence visas and work permits. This means that their work permits and residence visas will be granted and renewed automatically.
This development was made known by The Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation and The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship(ICA). The fees for the services would be collected through the authorised payment channels . After the fees are paid, the workers will remain legally recognised residents of the United Arab Emirates.
Due to Covid -19 and measures being taken to contain its spread, The ICA in April 2020, made a decision to extend the visas of foreigners in the UAE and residents residing inside or outside the UAE. This decision was taken to support the residents and visitors following the suspension of air traffic. Also, foreign visitors and residents with visas that expired in early March 2020 or with visas due to expire later will get an extension of their visas until the end of December 2020. The decision states that:
- Support service staff like domestic workers and domestic workers with expired work permits are exempted from medical tests for renewing their work permits and residence visas.
- Foreign visitors to the UAE who were unable to leave the UAE and whose visas expired in March 2020 or are due to expire at a later date, will get an extension of their visas until the end of December 2020.
- Residents whose residence visas expired in March 2020 or are due to expire at a later date will have their visas extended until the end of December 2020. This decision applies to people residing inside and outside the UAE.
- Residents whose Emirates ID expired in March 2020 or later will get an extension of their visa until the end of March 2020.