{"text":[[{"start":8.18,"text":"The United Arab Emirates is restricting the return of Iranian residents from abroad as the Gulf state shores up domestic security amid sustained attacks from the Islamic republic."}],[{"start":21.27,"text":"Some of the estimated 500,000 Iranian residents of the UAE, most of whom live in Dubai, found that their visas had been cancelled when trying to board flights back after the Eid and spring holidays, according to Iranians and Emiratis close to the government."}],[{"start":40.71,"text":"But in recent days, other Iranian residents have managed to return, especially those with second passports."}],[{"start":48.89,"text":"“Four of my friends have returned, but many are still outside and yet to be reinstated,” said one person following the issue in Dubai."}],[{"start":58.42,"text":"Nationals of Iran are “not allowed to enter or transit” the UAE unless they hold a “golden visa” that provides investors and professionals with long-term residency, according to Dubai’s Emirates and flydubai, Abu Dhabi’s Etihad and the US’s Delta airlines. The visa requirements are provided by UAE immigration authorities."}],[{"start":82.87,"text":"Emirates’ website says there are exemptions for Iranian residents who are spouses of UAE nationals or children of female UAE nationals. Athletes, bank executives, doctors, families, engineers, investors, senior professionals and traders are also exempt from the ban, it adds."}],[{"start":102.85000000000001,"text":"“I feel sorry as many of them will be anti-regime, but the risk of infiltration is too large,” said a senior Emirati businessman. “This is war.”"}],[{"start":116.09,"text":"Another Emirati analyst said the move was “no surprise” as “some are IRGC [Iran’s Revolutionary Guards] agents”."}],[{"start":126.67,"text":"The UAE’s foreign ministry released a statement saying it affirmed that the Gulf state was “home to a respected and valued Iranian community that forms an integral part of its social fabric and contributes to its diversity and openness”."}],[{"start":143.47,"text":"“The UAE reassures residents that its institutional approach is guided by well-established procedures and frameworks that safeguard the safety and wellbeing of all members of society, without exception,” it said. "}],[{"start":159.22,"text":"More than 2,400 Iranian missiles and drones have struck military and civilian targets in the UAE over the past five weeks — far more than other US allies in the region — since the US and Israel began their assault on Iran. Twelve people, mainly expatriate residents, have been killed, mostly by falling debris caused by missile interceptions. "}],[{"start":186.36,"text":"The residency clampdown follows the closure last month of an Iranian hospital, social club and five schools in Dubai. The UAE has said it would shutter institutions linked to the Iranian regime or the IRGC."}],[{"start":201.75,"text":"The UAE’s state security also said in March it had dismantled a “terrorist network” funded and directed by Lebanese group Hizbollah and Iran that was targeting the national economy and threatening national security."}],[{"start":216.93,"text":"Dubai officials — who are usually more dovish on Iran than their colleagues in the capital Abu Dhabi — have expressed anger at the extent to which the UAE has been targeted by the Islamic republic’s retaliatory attacks."}],[{"start":231.01000000000002,"text":"The emirate, which has for many decades acted as the trade and financing hub for Iran, has also attracted large numbers of Iranian property investors and business owners."}],[{"start":243.50000000000003,"text":"When the US tightened sanctions on the Islamic republic in 2012, Dubai’s economy was hit by the resulting drop in bilateral trade and lower Iranian investment into its real estate sector."}],[{"start":255.99000000000004,"text":"Tighter restrictions are spreading concern among the Iranian expatriate community, some of whom are trying to sell properties while others are seeking advice on relocation."}],[{"start":268.19000000000005,"text":"“But this is evolving day by day,” said one person. “A lot will depend on security assessments — it will depend on who you are.”"}],[{"start":284.5200000000001,"text":""}]],"url":"https://audio.ftcn.net.cn/album/a_1775180390_7638.mp3"}