Three-day passes to leave during confinement in Dubai
In early April, the Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management announced the confinement for two weeks. Until that time, citizens were allowed to leave without restriction to buy basic necessities, such as food and medicine, necessary medical visits, bank arrangements, etc. In short, to all those services classified as essential (health personnel, government support entities, logistical support personnel, media, teachers, etc.). With regard to public transport, the Dubai Metro has been suspended and residents will not be able to access this service until further notice. Buses, taxis, Uber or Carrem, are still operating at this time, however, there are rules that must be followed in order to use these means; As in other countries, workers in vital sectors (health, telecommunications, state security forces, courier services, logistics, media and some service sectors) are exempted from the ban on movement. However, they have to apply for a permit to do so.
From April 4, any resident of the city who wishes to leave their home must apply for a permit through the web platform dxbpermit.gov.ae. The document must be presented when detained by the authorities or it can be used to appeal the fines issued by the radar. As of April 5, all those without a permit are fined, and those who violate the law face legal action.
This is one of the reinforced measures established by the Emirate, with the aim of controlling the advance of contagion, after approving the city's 24-hour, seven-day, 15-day disinfection programme.
The measures have been strengthened over the days, and the Dubai police have updated the rules and restrictions on personal (non-employment-related) movement permits. It is now only possible to apply for the purchase of essential foodstuffs or pharmaceuticals once every three days. And they allow people to go to the bank to deposit or withdraw money every five days.
Permits are easily applied for online, simply by filling in a few identifying details and outlining the reason for leaving the property. It is necessary to include personal data, nationality, job, telephone number, identification number, car registration number (if applicable), the address of the starting point and destination, as well as the date and time you plan to be away. Radar cameras are configured to track down traffic restriction violators, who did not apply for a permit in advance.
Permit confirmation is usually sent shortly thereafter by SMS. The system sends a message to the applicant to let him know if the application has been accepted. A specific time frame is also provided for the journey. After requesting authorisation, it is advisable to keep the purchase receipts as a proof that you have gone out to buy the essentials, at the place and time indicated on the permit. Leaving the house requires the mandatory compliance of new rules such as the use of masks and gloves, and establishing the safety distance.
Supermarkets and home delivery services continue to operate normally, so it is recommended that you use them to avoid having to apply for a permit. There are many applications and websites like Zomato, Uber eats and Deliveroo available for placing orders, as well as companies that accept orders by phone.
The online system asks residents to declare why they need to leave their homes, even in an emergency. The Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management has also announced a hotline of 800 737 648 for all queries related to the disinfection programme and the mobility restrictions established. All these measures have been approved in order to ensure the safety of the population and minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection, thus putting an end to the pandemic as soon as possible.
So far, the Emirates has established itself as one of the top ten most effective countries in the world in fighting coronavirus. Germany and China are leading the crisis management, followed by Austria, Hong Kong and Singapore.
