Coronavirus explained: how stranded residents can book a seat on a flight back to the UAE

Passengers from an Emirates Airlines flight from London line up before being checked by health workers at Dubai International Airport. AFP

Health workers wait to screen passengers on a London to Dubai flight. AFP

Crew members of an Emirates flight from London arrive at Dubai International Airport. AFP

The captain of an Emirates flight from London arrives at Dubai International. AFP

A health worker checks a passenger. AFP

The scene at Dubai's arrivals hall. AFP

A pilot of an Emirates Airlines flight from London arrives at Dubai International Airport. AFP

Health workers check passengers. AFP

Health workers check passenger who arrived in an Emirates Airlines flight from London at Dubai International Airport. AFP

Health workers screen arrivals from London. AFP

Passengers queue to be screened at Dubai International Airport. AFP

On Saturday, the UAE started bringing hundreds of residents stuck outside the country back home.

The Emirates took the unprecedented step of sealing all ports of entry to everyone except UAE nationals on March 19.

The move was to stem the spread of Covid-19, and was replicated by a number of other countries across the globe, but it left many people stranded overseas.

Until now, returning flights were organised in conjunction with authorities and embassies.

But on May 9, UAE residents boarded the first bookable repatriation flight of many more to come.

Obtaining a seat and booking a flights is not as simple as logging on to Emirates or Etihad's website.

So what is the process?

The National explains.

What is the first step in returning to the UAE?

Any resident stranded abroad must apply for permission to return through the Twajudi service for residents, which the UAE rolled out in late March to assist people stuck overseas.

That involves entering their personal details, including their profession, Emirates ID number and location.

Some have spoken about difficulties registering online, having either received repeated error messages or been unable to complete the application.

A medical worker puts away a Covid-19 swab test at one of the Mussaffah testing facilities. Victor Besa / The National

An Abu Dhabi resident goes for a jog along the Corniche in the capital as the government eases movement restrictions. Victor Besa / The National

Abu Dhabi residents wear mandatory masks as they walk in the city. Victor Besa / The National

Safety instructions are on display outside Al Awir fruit and vegetable market in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

A person wearing protective face mask and covering his face with laptop bag on a hot day in Bur Dubai area in Dubai. Pawan Singh / The National

Indian citizens queue to check in at the Dubai International Airport before leaving the UAE on a flight back to their home country on May 7. Inbound flights for UAE residents have also begun operating from select cities. Karim Sahim / AFP

Passengers from an Emirates flight from London queue before being checked by health workers at Dubai International Airport on May 8. Karim Sahib / AFP

Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public but with safety measures in place to protect shoppers and staff from contracting Covid-19. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi has reopened to the public from 12pm to 9pm. Measures remain in place to keep shoppers and staff safe. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi will be open from midday to 9pm. Supermarkets and pharmacies will be open from 9am to midnight. Victor Besa / The National

Workers pass by Al Mina vegetables and fruits market in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

A security guard is given a free Covid-19 test at one of the Mussaffah testing centres. Victor Besa / The National

Workers line up to receive a coronavirus test at the Mussaffah industrial area in Abu Dhabi. Victor Besa / The National

What happens next?

Passengers should wait for approval.

Once it is granted, residents receive an ICA approval code and letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Anyone travelling back to the UAE must have these documents. Proof of residency is also required. All visas that expired after March 1 were extended until the end of December 2020.

Some who applied received approval fairly early on, but had to wait until flights resumed, which happened on May 9.

Others say they have waited weeks without receiving a reply.

Key workers including teachers, healthcare staff and airline workers were placed on a priority list, as were university students separated from their families.

However, some parents have complained they have not as yet been able to obtain permission for their children to return.

What do they do with the code once they receive it?

Etihad agents require it to be able to book repatriation flights.

Emirates allowed travellers to book their own flights online, but passengers must show a letter of approval at check-in.

Those who do not will be denied boarding.

Where can someone with permission go to book flights to the UAE?

Emirates is operating inbound flights from Germany and the UK, while Etihad offers a schedule from 12 destinations. It is:

Europe

• Amsterdam: Wednesdays and Saturdays from April 29 until May 30.
• Barcelona: Sundays and Thursdays from May 14 until May 31.
• Brussels: Fridays and Sundays throughout May.
• Frankfurt: Sundays throughout May.
• London: Wednesdays and Saturdays until May 30.
• Zurich: Fridays and Sundays until May 31.

North America

• New York: Friday, May 15
• Chicago: Friday, May 15

Asia

• Jakarta: Thursdays until May 28.
• Kuala Lumpur: Saturdays until May 28.
• Manila: Tuesday, Thursday and Fridays from May 12 until May 29.
• Melbourne: Fridays and Tuesdays until May 26.
• Seoul: Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays until May 30.
• Singapore: Tuesdays until May 26.
• Tokyo: Mondays and Thursdays from May 18 until May 28

How easy is it to book a flight once you have the ICA code?

It is fairly easy, according to some who have already been through the process.

One UAE resident currently in the Philippines shared his story on the UAE Expats Stuck Abroad Facebook page.

He spoke to a customer service agent at Etihad, who asked if he had obtained pre-approval from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.

Once he provided evidence, including the booking code and letter, the agent requested his previous flight details and rebooked him on a flight leaving Manila on May 13.

“He also said that I need all the necessary documents in order to check-in in the said flight,” said the resident from the Philippines.

“I hope this post will have some ray of hope to you guys. Do not lose faith.”