DUBAI: Visit visas to the UAE issued before the March 17 cut-off have apparently also been cancelled, according to travel agencies, citing official government documents.

Malou Prado, CEO of MPQ Tourism told Rappler they learned about this after word got out that a visit visa holder from the Philippines who arrived at the Dubai International Airport last night was denied entry.

She said they checked the link at the Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship (FAIC) which has the database of all travel document transactions and was able to confirm that visas were being cancelled. This is the link: https://beta.smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/fileValidity

“We checked the system. Yung entry nila (sa field) ay ‘cancelled,’” Prado said.

“Naguluhan kami because they said hindi kasama yung mga visas na na-issue na before March 17,” she added, referring to an announcement issued by the UAE, March 14, on the suspension of all visas, except for diplomatic passport holders, that took effect on March 17.

The Emirates News Agency, citing FAIC, said “the decision  does not apply to those who already have their visas issued prior to the aforementioned date (March 17).”

The announcement resulted to a mad scramble by visit visa holders in the UAE to have their travel documents updated.

Prado said they have over 50 clients of different nationalities affected. She added the cancelled visas include those for employment purposes. She said they can not refund the clients. A 90-day visit visa costs Dh800.

Sid Rivera, Marketing Manager of Al Qadi Tourism also confirmed there were visas being cancelled.

“Totoo po iyon. Yung mga papasok sa UAE from March 17 cancelled po ang visa. Kung hindi nakapasok by March 16, cancelled,” Rivera said.

He said they have up to 30 clients waiting for their flights whose visas were cancelled.

Visa cancellation is part of efforts by the UAE government to address concerns about the outbreak of the dreaded coronavirus in the UAE. The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) said there were 113 COVID-19 cases as of press time. There also were 26 recuperation and no deaths.

‘All those in close contact with the confirmed cases are being screened to avert spreading of the disease and ensure public safety.’ — MoHAP

DUBAI: The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHaP) today reported 15 new COVID-19 cases, bringing to 113 the total infection tally in the UAE, up from 98 just two days back.

In a statement, MoHAP said the new cases were detected following examination of  those who had been in close contact with people confirmed to have been afflicted with the virus as well as those who arrived from abroad and placed under quarantine.

MoHAP said the new cases were “in a stable condition and receiving all required healthcare services.”

The health agency said the latest batch of COVID-19 positive cases were of different nationalities, including one individual each from Kyrgyzstan, Serbia, Italy, the Netherlands, Australia, Germany, USA, Greece, Russia, Ukraine, and Bangladesh. There also were  two persons each from Britain and Spain, MoHAP said.

“All those in close contact with the confirmed cases are being screened to avert spreading the disease and ensure public safety. Full coordination channels are maintained with all health and other concerned authorities in the country through a very effective epidemiological monitoring mechanism,” said MoHAP.

“All necessary precautions are being taken to ensure highly efficient preventive measures, including check-ups and observation of people in contact with the patients in line with the guidelines and standards of the World Health Organization,” it added.

MoHAP advised the public to refrain from spreading rumors, adhere to preventive health and personal hygiene protocols to prevent the spread of the disease and to read  awareness instructions available on its website as well as on the official websites of health authorities in the UAE.

It also advised individuals suffering from respiratory symptoms to avoid crowded and public places to prevent transmission of the disease and protect lives.

On Monday, March 16, MoHAP reported 12 new cases, saying in a statement that the individuals were tested upon arrival in the country.

Dubai, this international city that never sleeps, may soon be getting lots of it in the coming days as authorities directed bars, lounges and spas to suspend operations for two weeks till the end of March.

In separate directives, the Department of Economic Development (DED) asked establishments licensed to operate massage parlors and spas “to suspend these activities with immediate effect from March 15, 2020.”

The move was “in line with ongoing efforts to safeguard public health,” said DED, adding that “inspections will be carried out to verify compliance.”

For its part, the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) issued a notification asking bars, pubs and lounges to close “with immediate effect from March 16 till the end of (the month).”

The move was made “in line with the Dubai Government’s precautionary measures to ensure the health and safety of its residents and visitors.”

DTCM said it will “continuously evaluate the situation in coordination with health authorities.”

Confirmed COVID-19 cases in the UAE have spiked in the past two weeks from 11 on Feb. 21 to 98 on March 15, according to the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP).

DUBAI: A Filipino, who was among COVID-19 patients under intensive care of the UAE government, has fully recovered as four more continuously undergo treatment, the Philippine Embassy confirmed.

The embassy said it has been informed by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) that the Filipino patient has already tested negative for COVID-19.

MoHAP has recorded 98 coronavirus cases since late January when the first batch of a family of four from China were confirmed to be infected. Of this number, 26 have recuperated, including the Filipino.

The embassy said it has received assurances from UAE authorities that the patients meantime were “receiving necessary treatment according to the highest medical standards.”

“Per coordination of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi with UAE authorities and according to the latest MoHAP announcement dated March 15, 2020, there is one Filipino among the 12 new cases of COVID19 in the UAE, bringing the total to five Filipinos in the UAE with COVID19.

“UAE authorities have assured that the Filipino COVID19 patients are being monitored and are receiving necessary treatment according to highest medical standards. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also informed…that one (1) Filipino patient has already tested negative for COVID19,” the embassy said.

With this development, the embassy called on all Filipinos in the UAE to “pray for the full recovery of our kababayans from COVID19.”

The first Filipino confirmed to be afflicted with coronavirus was announced by MoHAP on Feb. 8. The second was reported by the same government agency on Feb. 21. The third and fourth were announced on March 12. The fifth was announced on March 15.

It was not immediately confirmed which among them has recuperated.

Number of ‘symptom-free’ patients now 26

DUBAI: The number of COVID-19 cases in the UAE has further climbed to 98 with the addition of 12 new infections, the Emirates News Agency (ENA) reported on Sunday, March 15. At the same time, the government media outfit also reported three more recoveries, which brought the total to 26.

The day before, there were 86 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 23 patients who have recuperated, according to ENA.

In an advisory, ENA said the UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) announced the diagnosis of the 12 new cases, saying in a statement that the individuals were tested upon arrival in the country.

“It is reported that these individuals came into contact with people who had tested positive for the virus and are all now quarantined,” ENA said.

The 12 individuals include a South African, an Australian, a Chinese, a Filipino, a Lebanese, a British, an Italian, an Iranian, an Emirati and three Indian nationals, according to ENA.

MoHAP said the cases were being monitored, and that the individuals were stable, receiving all necessary treatment.

MoHAP assured that medical facilities are equipped with all necessary requirements and supplies to provide adequate care for COVID-19 patients, including airborne infection isolation rooms and measures that meet standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

The agency advised members of the general public to follow preventive health measures and review the awareness information available on its website and official channels.

Meantime, MoHAP  also announced the full recovery of three additional individuals from the novel coronavirus, COVID-19, bringing the total number of recovered cases in the country to 26.

The ministry said in a statement that the new batch – two Bangladeshis and an Indian national – were now “symptom-free” after receiving the necessary healthcare.

On March 12 last week, MoHAP  announced 11 new coronavirus cases, which pushed the total to 85 from 74 just two days earlier. Another case was confirmed on Saturday, March 14, according to ENA

According to a statement released by the MoHAP, two Filipinos were among the new cases, the rest being two Italians, a Montenegrin, a Canadian, a German, a Pakistani, an Emirati, a Russian and a British.

• Cultural sites temporarily closed include Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Qasr Al Hosn, Culture Foundation, Al Ain Palace Museum, Al Ain Oasis, Al Jahili Fort and Qasr Al Muwaiji.
• The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has announced the full recuperation of three additional individuals, bringing the total number coronavirus recuperations in the country to 23 from the 86 cases.

DUBAI: The UAE has stepped up to the plate and joined several other countries in implementing measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.

Flights to and from at least four countries have been suspended as efforts to address the coronavirus scare gain momentum with three more recuperations which yesterday, Saturday March 14, brought the total to 23.

Also, following a lull of two days in new cases, the government confirmed one infection yesterday.

Issuance of all visas to foreigners, except those holding diplomatic passports, has likewise been indefinitely suspended.

Meantime, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) has directed entertainment destinations in the emirate to temporarily suspend operations as part of precautionary measures taken nationwide to curb the proliferation of the coronavirus, COVID-19, outbreak.

This came in two separate circulars, addressed to owners of entertainment halls, including movie theatres as well as videogame centers and lounges; and the second, to movie theatres in the UAE capital.

Rashid Abdul Karim Al Balooshi, ADDED Undersecretary, said the decision to temporarily close these destinations is aimed to help people steer clear of crowded places.

“Those who will not abide by the decision will be punishable under Article 72 of ADDED’s Table of Fines which specifies a pecuniary penalty in the range of AED 3,000-AED10,00 and ultimately closing the facility in case of a repeat infraction,” the Emirates News Agency (ENA) quoted Al Balooshi as saying.

The Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), has for its part, decided to temporarily close cultural sites in the emirate, from Sunday, March 15 to March 31, 2020.

Closed cultural sites include Louvre Abu Dhabi, Manarat Al Saadiyat, Qasr Al Hosn, Culture Foundation, Al Ain Palace Museum, Al Ain Oasis, Al Jahili Fort and Qasr Al Muwaiji, according to ENA.

In Dubai, The Dubai Media Office (DMO) tweeted that the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DTCM) “has directed that all events shall be suspended from March 15 to 31.”

“DTCM also directs all entertainment destinations to suspend operations and all hospitality establishments and wedding halls to suspend wedding gatherings from March 15, 2020 till the end of the month,” DMO said.

It added: “Inspections will be carried out to verify compliance with this circular.”

Meantime, The General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) has announced the suspension of all inbound and outbound flights with Lebanon, Turkey, Syria and Iraq, with effect from March 17, and until further notice.

The move is part of the country’s proactive precautionary and preventive health measures to contain the spread of the coronavirus, COVID-19, said the GCAA in a statement Saturday, March 14.

”The decision followed our analysis and assessment of the latest global situation and the scale of the spread of the virus to most countries of the world including Italy, ” the statement added.

The statement further added that stakeholders operating under the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority, NCEMA, are monitoring the latest global developments in order to take appropriate actions that ensure continuity of work inside the country and to mitigate potential risks.

The GCAA advised passengers affected by the suspension of flights to contact their respective air carriers to reschedule their flights and ensure their safe return to their final destinations.

Regarding the COVID-19 count, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) has announced the full recovery of three additional individuals, bringing the total number coronavirus recuperations in the country to 23.

The MoHAP said in a statement release March 14 that the recuperated individuals – two Emiratis and an Indian – were now “symptom-free” after receiving the necessary healthcare in hospital.

The MoHAP also said in a separate statement issued on the same day that an Indian national has tested positive for COVID-19 upon returning to the UAE after spending his annual leave abroad. This brought the total number of infections at 86.

“All those who were in contact with the patient have been examined and have all tested negative for the virus” said MoHaP in a statement where it re-affirmed that all precautionary measures to curb the spread of COVID-19 are being taken in collaboration with competent bodies in the country and in line with the standards and guidelines set by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Schools across UAE have been out since March 8, with students provided distance learning.

DUBAI: Visit visa holders in the UAE have gone on a rush to have their travel documents renewed following a government announcement, Saturday afternoon March 14, on the temporary suspension of all visas to foreigners, except those who hold diplomatic passports.

The new visa policy by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) takes effect on Tuesday, March 17.

In a statement, FAIC said the new policy is in line with the declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) that the coronavirus has become a pandemic.

“The move comes as part of the precautionary measures taken by the UAE in response to the World Health Organization’s declaration of COVID-19 as a pandemic, a development which reflects the high risks now associated with travel under the current circumstances,” FAIC said.

The decision does not apply to those who already have their visas issued prior to the aforementioned date, said an advisory by the Emirates News Agency (ENA).

This has apparently prompted visit visa holders, including those whose visas were yet to expire for at least a few weeks prior to the March 17 deadline, to take the next airport-to-airport flight so they could exit and have fresh three-month visit visas.

There is also the pricey “no-exit” option where the applicant need not leave the country, and which is fast becoming a preference as time runs out and flights become scarce. This, in light of Oman’s recent move to close its borders to UAE visa runners.

Also affected are those whose visas were set to be cancelled following termination of employment.

The new visa policy has caused travel agencies to be inundated with inquiries and visa runners.

“Nagkakagulo kami sa dami ng apektado. Yung iba kulang ang pera,” said Sid Rivera, marketing manager of Al Qadi Tourism. “Kagabi, we were open till past midnight. Kaninang umaga, we were open by 7am,” he added.

The same goes through with most other travel agencies processing visas.

“Dagsa ang mga tao. Ang daming nag-i-inquire. Ayaw din naman kasi nilang ma-stranded at mag-overstay,” said Malou Prado, MPQ Tourism CEO. “Hindi clear kasi kung hanggang kailan yung temporary measure.”

According to FAIC, the additional precautionary measure will be valid until a mechanism for medical examination has been established in the countries of departure as part of other global measures taken for the common good of all nations of the world to curb the proliferation of the novel virus.

“The FAIC affirms that the decision stems from the UAE’s deep sense of responsibility and diligent efforts in collaboration with other countries of the world to fight the coronavirus pandemic and survive this ongoing crisis,” the agency said.

Jobseekers, including Filipinos, use visit visas to enter the UAE in the hope of landing employment. Some have been successful following months of job hunting and visit visa renewals.

2 Filipinos among 11 new infections

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) today, Thursday March 12, announced 11 new coronavirus cases, pushing the total to 85 from 74 just two days ago.

According to a statement released by the Ministry, two Filipinos were among the new cases, the rest being two Italians, a Montenegrin, a Canadian, a German, a Pakistani, a Emirati, a Russian and a British.

The latest count also brought to four the total number of Filipinos in the UAE afflicted with the novel coronavirus. The other two were diagnosed in February.

Meantime, MoHAP said the new cases were discovered at the UAE’s ports of entry.

“The individuals were placed under quarantine as suspected cases subsequent to their entry into the UAE. Following required testing and monitoring, the individuals were confirmed positive with COVID-19,” MoHAP said.

MoHAP said the cases are being monitored, and that the individuals are currently in a stable condition, receiving all necessary health care required.

MoHAP assured that medical facilities have been equipped with all the necessary medical equipment and supplies to provide care and take all measures required to deal with COVID-19, including airborne infection isolation rooms, following World Health Organisation, WHO, standards.

On Tuesday, March 10, MoHAP reported 15 new cases which placed the total at the time to 74.

The number of confirmed cases in the UAE has surged in March.

On March 9, MoHAP confirmed 14 new cases, which brought the total to 59. On March 7, the total was 45, according to the government agency.

DUBAI: Visa runners in the UAE now have to spend a few hundred dirhams more to have their documents renewed or face possible deportation should they stay illegally. This, following the temporary closure of the Oman border over COVID-19 concerns.

Noting the situation and what this could possibly lead to, Consul General Marford Angeles of the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, UAE’s capital city, urged Filipinos staying in the country on expiring visit visas to follow the law no matter what or suffer the consequences.

He said the embassy and the consulate “are always ready to help those needing assistance.”

“We all have to follow the immigration regulations of the host country. That means one cannot overstay. Otherwise, there are fines and legal consequences.

“The embassy is always ready to help those needing assistance. The Embassy welcomes requests for assistance and we will do our best to provide help,” Angeles said.

“Our kababayans are advised to always be aware of ongoing developments.”

What is a visa run?

Visit visa holders need to exit the UAE to have their visas renewed or changed to employment status. The most convenient places for a visa run have been Sohar and Buraimi in neighboring Oman.

Land routes to these cities go through the border in Musandam, Oman and Hatta in UAE, which have been temporarily closed since last week until further notice.

Remaining option is to go “airport to airport” where the visa runner flies to Muscat, the capital of Oman, stays in the plane and fly back to Dubai where the new visa can be sent online via Whatsapp and shown to Immigration, Malou Prado, CEO of MPQ Tourism said.

Industry rate for an airport to airport visa run costs approximately Dh1450; whereas taking the land route costs Dh1,100, according to travel agencies.

Prado, who has been in the travel business for the past 10 years, said some 50 Filipino visa runners leave the UAE for Sohar or Buraimi every day.

She said they received a message last Wednesday, March 4 from their tour operator in Oman, who facilitates issuance of Oman visas, saying border to border (land route) visa change has been suspended.

“We regret to announce that the border to border visa change is temporarily closed. Kindly advised all passengers scheduled on this date that there is no trip and they can reschedule or transfer for airport to airport to avoid overstay.

“As of now, there is still no confirmation when this will resume, so please advise all passengers accordingly,” read the tour operator’s message shared by Prado to Rappler.

Ordered back

Sid Rivera, marketing manager at Al Qadi Tourism, another travel agency, told Rappler they had a batch of five visa runners who have been ordered to return to UAE upon arrival at the Oman border post in Musandam.

He said the group was part of 13 busloads of visa runners.

“Pagdating nila sa border sa Musandam, may mga police sa Immigration post. Hindi na sila pinapasok ng Musandam at sinabihan na bumalik na lang,” Rivera said.

Rivera said travel agencies are now offering airport-to-airport, even a “no exit” visa change albeit more pricey, urging visa runners to act fast as the situation is very fluid.

“Hindi natin masabi kasi baka pati flights ma-apektuhan,” he said.

This hospitality arm of a major property developer in Dubai said three of its hotels will stop bookings in the next five months starting March 15, citing the effects COVID-19 have taken on operations.

Emaar Hospitality Group (EHG), stated in a letter to industry partners that three of its hotels will stop bookings from March 15 to Aug. 31 this year.

These hotels are the high-end Address Fountain Views, Vida Creek Harbour Hotel and Vida Emirates Hills.

“We would like to inform you that we will not be selling Address Fountain Views, Vida Creek Harbour Hotel and Vida Emirates Hills between March 15 and August 31, 2020. Bookings will still be open for stay dates from September 1 onwards,” Emaar Hospitality Group said.

“Following the recent global impact on the travel industry drawing us to a state of force majeure, Emaar Hospitality Group has taken the decision to temporarily refocus its operations on a selected number of assets,” it added.

Other services like restaurant, pool and gym, as well as entertainment will remain operational to cater to community residents.  

Those with existing bookings will be transferred to EHG’s other hotels.

Local dailies published reports about this development. (Rappler photo)