Daijiworld Media Network - Dubai (SHP)

Dubai, Jun 29: The UAE government has made the coronavirus test mandatory for all the UAE residents who currently stuck abroad and are keen on returning to the country.

Those who do not have a COVID negative test taken within 72 hours of take-off will not be permitted to board the aircraft, a report by the Khaleej Times stated.

The announcement was made as part of the guidelines laid down by the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship for residents with valid visas who are set return to the country starting July 1.

The tests are required to be conducted from accredited laboratories spread across 106 cities in 17 countries worldwide, said the authorities. More countries will be soon added to the list as part of the second and third phases.

The list which mentions the accredited laboratories can be accessed by the people on smartservices.ica.gov.ae. Necessary directions have conveyed to the laboratories who will deliver results within the time required.

For residents returning from countries without an accredited lab, COVID-19 tests can be conducted upon arrival back in the UAE. Residents will have to quarantine for 14 days either at home or take institutional quarantine.

All costs for quarantining and medical assistance will be borne by the individual. In certain cases, companies that employ returning residents have to incur the expenses.

All returning residents will also have to download a certified app which will allow monitoring by government health agencies while in quarantine.