UAE authorities on Tuesday announced that more residents stranded in India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and three other countries due to travel restrictions can return to the emirates.

On Tuesday, the National Emergency Crisis and Disasters Management Authority (NCEMA) announced a wide range of exemptions for travellers from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Nigeria and Uganda in view of the suspension of flights from these countries to the UAE.

As per new protocols, expats with valid residency visas who have received both doses of COVID-19 vaccines in the UAE will be allowed to enter the emirates with effect from August 5. It is mandatory that expats have taken their second vaccine dose at least 14 days before planning their travel. Furthermore, they must present a certificate as valid proof for their vaccination.

NCEMA added that vaccinated and unvaccinated travellers from key sectors, including UAE health workers such as doctors, nurses and technicians, are allowed to enter the UAE from these six nations. In addition, teachers at universities, colleges, schools and other educational institutes across the UAE can return to the emirates.

The exempted categories also include students, humanitarian cases and employees of federal and local government agencies across the emirate and individuals undergoing medical treatment in the UAE.

UAE has also resumed travel for transit passengers, provided they present a negative PCR test taken within 72 hours before the time of departure of their flights. The UAE's airports are also preparing to allocate special lounges for transit passengers to ensure the safety of all travellers.

Meanwhile, previous exemptions will continue to remain in place which include UAE citizens and their first-degree relatives, diplomats, Golden Visa holders, Expo 2020 Dubai participants and flight crew.