Saudi Gazette report

ABU DHABI — All foreign nationals holding valid residence visas will have to wait for at least another two weeks to come back to the United Arab Emirates, the state news agency WAM reported on Thursday.

Quoting a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, the state news agency said that the suspension of entry of all valid visa holders, who are currently outside the UAE, has been extended for two additional weeks.

The statement added that the two-week period, which begins on Thursday, could be renewed depending on the developments with regard to the coronavirus pandemic.

The move, the ministry said, is part of the precautionary measures to contain the spread of the pandemic and to ensure their safety.

The ministry, meanwhile, has urged people who are outside the country with valid UAE residency visa to register for the new service "Twajudi for residents" on the ministry's website, as this service aims to facilitate their safe return to the country for emergency cases.