ICA nod must for non-Dubai residents arriving at Dubai airports

UAE - Inbound passengers arriving at Dubai International (DXB) and holding residence visas issued in other emirates must have a pre-travel approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) to return to the country, a Dubai Airports spokesperson told Khaleej Times on Wednesday.

The spokesperson said: "According to new travel requirements, travelers holding residence visas issued in other emirates need approval from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship to return to the country."

However, Dubai residence visa holders are still required to have an approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to return to the UAE.

Dubai Airports issued this statement in response to a query from Khaleej Times about the status of several stranded passengers in the arrivals terminal of DXB this afternoon. Sources in the travel sector said scores of passengers from various destinations were left stranded at the airport due to this new policy update.

The exact number of passengers is yet to be ascertained. However, the source said people have been stuck since early Wednesday morning.

Airport officials have also confirmed that 'some passengers' are experiencing a delay in the arrival process at DXB. The official said, "Dubai Airports can confirm that some passengers are experiencing a delay in the arrival process at Dubai International (DXB) this afternoon (Wednesday) due to an update in travel regulations in line with the directives of UAE authorities."

The spokesperson added: "Dubai Airports is working with government authorities and other service partners to ensure the comfort of our passengers and resolve the situation as soon as possible."