UAE Prohibits Citizens From Leaving The Country If They Have Not Been Vaccinated Against COVID-19 Starting January 10

Illustration of a COVID-19 vaccination. (Wikimedia Commons/WHO Blink Media/Nana Kofi Acquah)

JAKARTA - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) will ban its citizens who were not vaccinated against COVID-19 from traveling abroad from January 10, authorities announced on Saturday.

Meanwhile, fully vaccinated Emirati citizens will also be required to take a booster shot if eligible to travel.

Regarding the third dose, people can take a booster shot six months after receiving their second dose of vaccine. Those who are medically excluded from receiving the COVID-19 vaccine will not be subject to the decision.

In addition, the exemption will also cover "humanitarian cases and individuals traveling for medical and treatment purposes".

The new protocol was issued by the National Emergency Crisis and Disaster Management Authority in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, citing The National News January 1.

In November, Dr Farida Al Hosani, the government's health spokeswoman, warned the public against traveling abroad. He said travel was permitted but not recommended, given the high rate of infection overseas.

The UAE has overseen one of the world's most powerful vaccination campaigns worldwide. More than 22.6 million doses of the Covid-19 vaccine have been administered to date. In addition, more than 92 percent of the population is fully vaccinated.

The UAE has taken strong steps to limit the spread of COVID-19 in recent weeks amid a sharp increase in infections.

Members of the public have been urged to remain committed to safety protocols and receive booster doses to help the country recover from the pandemic.

Abu Dhabi reimposed border testing rules on Thursday in a bid to slow the spread of the virus.

Vaccinated persons entering Abu Dhabi must present an Al Hosn green pass, while those who have not been vaccinated must present a negative PCR test result received within 96 hours.

The rules go hand in hand with EDE scanner checks at the border checkpoint in Ghantoot. The device was introduced on December 19 to help identify cases of COVID-19. Officers at the checkpoint at E11 use a mobile phone app to detect signs of a fever.

Authorities have asked all federal government employees to receive a booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine within the next month. The directive was issued in a circular from the Federal Authority for Government Resources on Saturday.

Meanwhile, unvaccinated federal government employees will not be allowed to enter the workplace from Monday according to Green Pass protocol.

For information, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, on Wednesday urged the public to follow the rules. But he also said the latest wave was the "weakest and least fatal".

"I want to warn and reassure, warn that cases are increasing and assure you that according to people more experienced than us, it is already starting to weaken and, God willing, we will be able to control it with the efforts of you and your brothers and sisters in this country and with take precautions," said Sheikh Mohamed.