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Following the ease of movement restrictions in the UAE, Abu Dhabi will now start the system of movement permits for its residents. Yesterday, Abu Dhabi Police announced that it will now issue movement permits for people who wish to step outside during the National Sterilization Programme which is from 10pm to 6am.
The AD Police has stated that residents and citizens in Abu Dhabi must request permission for leaving their homes for essential purposes and medical emergencies during the sterilization period, through their website adpolice.gov.ae. “Abu Dhabi Police emphasizes that permits must be used for the authorized period of time,” said the announcement tweet. “Those violating restrictions will be liable for fines.” Adding: “Those going out during sterilization timings (due to an urgent matter such as hospital, pharmacy, or to buy basic needs) who do not have permission, must present proof of reason for being out.”
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.@ADPoliceHQ is to start issuing movement permits during sterilisation timings (10 PM to 6 AM). Permits can be processed on the website: https://t.co/G55r61fjqC pic.twitter.com/wVWzpOjIz2
— مكتب أبوظبي الإعلامي (@ADMediaOffice) May 10, 2020
In Dubai, the system of issuing movement permits has existed for nearly two months now — even when the sterilization period was extended to 24 hours from the initial 8pm-6am period. Now that the restricted timings are 10pm-6am, Dubai residents can still request permission for movement, however, the Dubai Police shall grant it solely for medical emergencies, and for no other reason. According to Dubai Police’s permit website, “permits will be automatically rejected except for medical emergency permits.”
“Permits are issued only for people with medical emergencies because there is enough time for everybody to get their needs between 6am and 10pm. It is not logical that someone asks for a permit to buy groceries after 10pm,” said Major General Abdullah Ali Al Ghaithi, Director of the General Department of Protective Security and Emergency at Dubai Police to Gulf News. “Before we used to issue warning fines to educate the public. Now police are issuing direct fines on violators. There is no reason for anyone to go out during movement restriction hours as they have 14 hours to get their needs,” he added.
These measures form part of UAE’s nationwide fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, which includes curbing the spread of the virus in order to safeguard public health.
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