visit visa new rules in uae 2022

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UAE new visa rules 2022: what do the changes mean for jobs, families and tourism?

Rules governing the ways people work and live in the uae were approved in april.

The UAE is offering new types of visa, including options for long-stay tourists, jobseekers, accomplished professionals, star students and high-net-worth individuals. Wam

Latest: New visa rules predicted to create a flood of jobseekers in the UAE

New rules governing the ways people work and live in the UAE come into effect today, Monday October 3.

Approved by the Cabinet in April, this is one of the biggest shake-ups to the country’s immigration policy in years.

Longer visit visas for tourists , long-term residency for sought-after professionals and easy access to the 10-year Golden Visa scheme were among the headline changes.

But what does this all mean, and does any of it affect or benefit you? Here The National breaks down the changes.

Is the Golden Visa changing?

Golden Visa services have a dedicated portal here , on the federal immigration website. Abu Dhabi’s service can be found here .

No costs have yet been released, but some require a deposit of between Dh1,500 and Dh2,000.

Business Extra podcast: What are the UAE's new visa rules?

What happened?

The Cabinet approved the “executive regulations” of the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners.

This put into motion the creation of new visas and formally approved others, such as the Golden Visa residency system , that had already been rolled out.

Many of the details were made public over the previous 18 months but the new elements include a 60-day entry visa for many tourists and allowing parents to continue to sponsor disabled children when they reach adulthood.

Who are the new visa rules aimed at?

Golden visas

The country’s leaders want to attract more skilled professionals, those with medicine and science backgrounds, the brightest students and tech-savvy minds to live in the Emirates.

Wealthy investors, entrepreneurs and company owners are sought after. Officials hope they will set down roots, invest in property and make the country their long-term home.

The wide range of 10 visa types may benefit many residents and people planning to make the country home.

There are several visa types that are aimed at these groups, including Golden Visas, which were first approved in late 2020. In the first year, 44,000 visas were issued in Dubai alone.

“The golden visa for an ownership of Dh2 million on real estate will definitely be a major boost for middle and higher segments to invest in the UAE through real estate or other sources," said Vijay Valecha, chief investment officer of Century Financial Consultancy.

Who is eligible for a UAE Golden Visa under new rules?

Green visas

In the middle-income bracket are green visas , which are aimed at skilled workers, freelancers and the self-employed. These grant the holder five years’ residency.

To be eligible, an applicant requires a monthly salary of Dh15,000 and a bachelor's degree in certain skilled fields, including science, law, education, culture or social sciences, among others.

Someone who currently holds a two or three-year trade licence for freelance work may find this option attractive, but the costs have not yet been set out.

A green visa holder can sponsor relatives for residency for five years. Previously, this was typically allowed for two years.

There is no specific provision for lower-income and lower-skilled workers to secure special visas. But jobseeker and five-year multi-entry visas may benefit people who wish to move to the Emirates, or join family here.

In particular, this could benefit people from countries that require paid-for visas in advance of flying, such as India, Pakistan, Philippines and Bangladesh. Officials did not say how long a jobseeker visa was valid for, but previously said six months when it was mooted before the pandemic.

Primarily, it is aimed at “young talent and skilled professionals”. Recent graduates from the world’s top 500 universities are included in this category.

“The abolishment of needing a sponsor or host for a visit visa is a big step to prompt young individuals to come to the UAE for job opportunities,” Mr Valecha said.

Family sponsorship

Last year, authorities allowed parents to sponsor their male children until they were 25 instead of 18.

The decision in April appears to affirm that and to add new provisions, allowing parents with a disabled child to sponsor them into adulthood. Parents can continue to sponsor unmarried daughters at any age.

Why are these changes being made?

The government hopes to attract more highly skilled people to live in the Emirates and build a bigger “knowledge economy”.

Scientists, coders and tech workers and just some of the professionals it hopes to attract.

Population growth is also high on the agenda.

Dubai alone wants to boost its 3.5 million residents to 5.8 million by 2040.

The country further wants to rapidly bounce back from the Covid pandemic , welcoming back millions more tourists. Allowing people to stay more easily for longer aids all of these goals.

Does any of this affect me?

If you are a salaried employee working for a company you are likely to stay on a regular two and three-year visa.

Employees may find they are eligible to secure a Golden Visa, particularly if nominated by a friend or acquaintance with that visa. Their status with their employer would not be affected and health insurance would continue to be provided as standard.

Who is eligible for a Golden Visa?

There is no exhaustive list of every job category.

You can apply here on the website of the Federal Authority for Identity using your Emirates ID and see if you are eligible.

Or you can be nominated directly by someone you know who already has a Golden Visa.

The list of eligible professionals and qualifications includes people in science, technology, arts, culture and the creative industries. People investing Dh1 million to Dh2 million in property also have several options.

Who pays for a visa?

Most of the new visas on the list are aimed at freelancers, self-employed people and business owners, who would foot the bill for their own visa or arrange through their own company.

Golden Visas have already processed payments in the hundreds or low thousands of dirhams.

It’s important to note that by law a regular employee working for a company cannot be made to pay for a basic residency visa.

‘Many roles take months to secure’

Louise Vine, managing director at Inspire Selection recruitment agency in Dubai, earlier this year said the recruitment process for professional roles, and particular senior roles, can take months.

“It gives people a purpose to come here and it helps the government understand they are on a mission to find a job, rather than being here as a tourist,” she said.

The duration, which has not yet been announced, will be important.

Depending on the level of the role, recruitment can take anything from a few weeks to several months, she said.

“You would need potentially three to six months to find a senior role in certain industries,” Ms Vine said.

“There are fewer jobs and also the interview process is quite lengthy, so it’s not just one interview and job done. It could be four or five interviews and case studies to prepare for, so it takes time.”

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New UAE visa rules to come into effect in September

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Changes in entry and residency regulations for foreigners were announced on Monday

Dubai: The new entry and residency scheme for foreigners in UAE will be active as of September this year.

The UAE cabinet, headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the executive regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners aimed at strengthening the UAE position as an ideal destination to live, work and invest.

• UAE announces new entry and residency rules

The new visa rules were announced yesterday.

Ali Mohammad Al Shamsi, Chairman of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, said the new executive regulations provide comprehensive information on the types and conditions of entry visas and residence permits.

“The new rules will support sustainable development and the economic diversity policy in the country by attracting skilled workers, talents, professionals, specialists and experts,” said Al Shamsi.

The new model, in some cases, allows people who enter as visitors to stay for 60 days rather than 30 days at present.

Parents can sponsor their male children until the age of 25, up from 18, allowing them to remain in the UAE after school and university.

Al Shamsi said the new rules have different residencies and new categories to attract investors, entrepreneurs, high skilled workers, outstanding students, frontliners and others.

“The new scheme will ease procedures, adding new advantages and end the link between residency and the work sponsor and enhance quality of life,” he added.

Al Shamsi said the new system will have a new generation of residencies in the country like the green visa that will provide five years of residency for skilled employees, without a sponsor or employer.

The green visa allows the holder to bring his or her family members as well as six months grace period after the residency expires or is canceled.

The green residency has three types. The first is for skilled workers, while the second is for freelancers and self-employed individuals. The third is for investors to establish or participate in commercial activities. It replaces the previous residence that was valid for two years only.

“The cabinet was keen to enhance family stability for residents and the new rules add new benefits for family members. Children of determination are granted a residence permit, regardless of their age,” Al Shamsi added.

He said Green Residency holders can bring their first-degree relatives into the country too.

The new model offers new options for visitors to have different, flexible and multi-entry of visit visas for up to one year and ends the need for arrivals to acquire sponsorship. The visit visa offers 60 days of validity and one platform to apply at.

The job exploration visa has been introduced with the aim of attracting young talents and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities. It does not require a sponsor or a host.

Another visa for investors is the exploration visa to explore investment opportunities inside the UAE. It does not require a sponsor or host.

Golden visa categories

Substantial amendments have been introduced to the Golden Residence Scheme to simplify the eligibility criteria and expand the categories of beneficiaries. This long-term 10-year residency is granted to investors, entrepreneurs, exceptional talents, scientists and professionals, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes.

According to the new rules, there will be no restriction related to the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE in order to keep the Golden Residence valid.

The amendments allow the Golden Residence holder to sponsor his/her family members, including spouse and children, regardless of their age, and to sponsor support services (domestic) laborers without limiting their number. If the holder of the Golden Residence dies, then his family members can stay in the UAE until the end of their permit duration.

Golden residency for scientists

The new rules aim to support and boost investment in the property sector by having new benefits in the Golden Residence for investors in this vital sector.

People are entitled to obtain the Golden Residence when purchasing a property worth no less than Dh2 million with a loan from specific local banks. Investors can also obtain Golden Residence when buying one or more off-plan properties of no less than Dh2 million from approved local real estate companies.

Residency is granted to scientists and researchers with high achievements and influence in their field based on recommendation from the Emirates Scientists Council.

The candidate should have a Ph.D. or master’s degree in the disciplines of engineering, technology, life sciences and natural sciences from the best universities in the world. The candidate should have substantial research achievements.

Golden residency for professionals

A major expansion has been introduced in this category to attract highly skilled workers with educational qualifications and professional experience in all disciplines including medicine, sciences and engineering, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture and social sciences.

The applicants should have a valid employment contract in the UAE, and should be classified in the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation classification which is aligned with the International Standard of Classification of Occupations ISCO by the International Labour Organisation.

The minimum educational level must be a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, and the monthly salary should not be less than Dh30,000.

Golden residency for exceptional talents

This residence is granted to top talents in vital fields. It is awarded based on talent only, regardless of the educational qualification or the employment status or the monthly salary or professional level.

It requires the recommendation or approval of a federal or local government entity, and includes talented individuals in culture, art, sports, digital technology, invention and innovation and other vital fields.

Golden residency for entrepreneurs

The executive regulations set flexible requirements for entrepreneurs eligible to obtain the Golden Residence; an entrepreneur should own or be a partner in a startup registered in the country in the category of small and medium enterprises SME and generates annual revenues of not less than Dh1 million.

In addition, obtaining approval for a startup idea from an official business incubator or from the Ministry of Economy or the competent local authorities is sufficient to obtain the Golden Residence in this category.

Moreover, if the person is a founder (or one of the founders) of a previous entrepreneurial project (projects) that was sold with a total value of not less than Dh7 million, he will be entitled to Golden Residence. The approval of the Ministry of Economy or the competent local authorities is required for projects or ideas.

Golden visa for outstanding students and graduates

This residency targets high performing students in UAE secondary schools, and outstanding graduates from UAE universities and the best 100 universities worldwide according to specific criteria that includes their academic performance (cumulative average), the year of graduation, and the university classification.

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• Visit visas

Tourist visa

A tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. You can apply for a tourist visa through airlines, hotels and travel agents. Read about the eligibility criteria and the steps to apply.

Multiple entry 5-year tourist visa

Who is a tourist visa for, who can apply for your tourist visa, related eservices.

The multiple entry 5-year tourist visa enables tourists to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, and can be extended for further 90 days. This type of tourist visa can be issued for all nationalities.

To obtain this visa, the applicant must have:

• a bank balance of 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months
• a valid health insurance policy applicable in the UAE
• a ticket to and from the UAE

Documents required

To apply for the multiple entry tourist visa, the applicant must provide the following:

• a colored photo
• a copy of the passport
• medical Insurance
• bank statement for the last 6 months with a balance 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies
• tour programme
• a ticket for onward journey.

Read related news coverage on  WAM .

Related online services

• Issue family group multiple entry long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP
• Issue multiple entries long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP

Tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. Tourist visa can be obtained for eligible individual tourists from around the world. Females below the age of 18 are not eligible to apply for this type of visa unless they are travelling with their parents.

According to a Cabinet resolution passed in July 2018, children under the age of 18 years who are accompanying adults, can get a  free visa for their visit from 15 July to 15 September each year.

Tourist visas through airlines

Each airline has some conditions, which must be met in order for your visa to be arranged by them. One of the conditions is flying with them. For more updated and specific information, check the following UAE-based airlines for visa types, facilities, terms and conditions:

• Visa services from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Visa Services offered by Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Visa services from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Visa services from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

Tourist visas through agencies and hotels

Licensed travel agents and hotels in the UAE can arrange a tourist visa for you provided you purchase the ticket through them and maintain hotel reservation with the specific hotel.

You can also contact travel agencies in your country for any tourist packages available to the UAE in collaboration with a local tour operator.

It is important to check the authenticity of travel agents you are dealing with and refrain from paying or sending copies of your official documents until after you are 100 per cent sure the tour operator is genuine. You can seek the help of the  UAE embassy in your country  for verification.

Note: The UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. In order to get a tourist visa to the UAE, you need to get in touch with one of the UAE-based airlines, a tour agency or a hotel (where you intend to stay) in the UAE who will apply for visa on your behalf to the official  visa-issuing authorities  in the UAE.

• Tourist visa from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Tourist visa from Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Tourist visa from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Tourist visa from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

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New Visit Visa Rules in UAE - 2022 Update

August 26, 2022 | 13 min read

If you are planning to enter UAE on a tourist visa, here we have new visit visa rules updates, which are important to know about. We have elaborated on them in this post to make them easy to understand.

Table of Contents

• On Arrival Rules
• Prepaid Visa Rules
• Extension Rules
• Golden Visa Rules
• Overstaying & Fines Rules
• Grace Period Rules

On Arrival & Prepaid Rules

If you are from a country that qualifies for the UAE visa on arrival, the following are the updates you need to know.

14 Days visa on arrival (Paid)

If you have Indian and you hold a valid green card/ visit visa to the USA or a UK/EU residence visa, you qualify for the 14 Days visa on arrival at the cost of 120 AED. The visa allows you to stay in UAE for 14 days, which is not renewable.

30 Days visa on arrival (Free)

You can get the 30 Days visa on arrival if you have a passport from any of the below countries;

Andorra, Australia, Brunei, Canada, China, Hong Kong, China, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macau, China, Malaysia, Mauritius, Monaco, New Zealand, Republic of Ireland, San Marino, Singapore, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Northern Ireland, United States of America, Vatican City.

You will get your passport stamped at the immigration office and be allowed to enter UAE for 30 days free.

90 Days visa on arrival (Free)

If you have a passport from Belgium, Cyprus, Denmark, Germany, Italy, etc., you qualify for the 90 Days visa on arrival.

180 Days visa on arrival (Free)

The UAE 180 Days visa on arrival is reserved for Mexican passport holders.

GCC Countries

If you have a passport from any GCC country , you don't require a passport to enter UAE. You are required to present your GCC country passport or national ID card at the point of entry into the UAE, and you will be allowed to enter UAE.

PrePaid Visa Rules

Those who don't qualify for the UAE visa on arrival and would like to visit the UAE are required to get an entry permit before arriving in the UAE. You will require someone to sponsor your UAE visit visa to be approved. Other requirements are a valid passport for at least 6 months and a confirmed return flight.

If you have these, it is easy to process UAE visit visa, which will allow you to enter UAE. If you are in transit, you can get a UAE transit visa, enabling you to stay for hours. However, if you are on transit through Abu Dhabi and choose to explore the city, you need to have a tourist visa.

Extension Rules for Visa

You can extend the visit visa twice for 30 days each time without exiting the country. For the visa on arrival, only those who qualify for the 30 days visa on arrival can extend their visa once.

Exiting the country is unnecessary because you can extend the visa inside the country. It is ideal if you want to stay more days in UAE. You will save on money and time.

If you are planning a long stay or coming to look for a job, and you have found it, you should consider a visa change. It is the best choice as you will be allowed to stay in UAE for a long period. You can change the visa without exiting the country.

Golden Visa Rule

The golden visa allows one to stay outside UAE. You don't have to worry about your UAE residency visa because a golden visa allows you to stay outside UAE as long as you want.

Previously, if you say for more than six months outside UAE, you would lose your residency visa, but that is not the case with a golden visa.

Overstating on Visit Visa/Residence Visa Rules

If you entered UAE on a visit visa looking for a job and have secured it, you are required to change your visa to a Residence or Employment visa.

It is illegal to work in UAE while in the country using a visit visa. You can change the visa without exiting the country.

When you are issued a UAE visit visa, it indicates the number of days you can stay in the UAE. If you stay behold those days, you are considered to have overstayed in UAE, and you get fined. The fines are charged as follows.'

for the first day of overstay

Each Consecutive day

As Service fees

If Cancelled Residence

If your UAE residence visa is canceled, the Ministry of Labor & Immigration allows you to stay only 30 days after canceling. You can get a new visa or leave the country during this time.

After the 30 days grace period, you will be fined for overstaying. The fines are as follows;

• AED 125 for the first day
• AED 25 for each subsequent day.
• AED 50 per day after six months of overstaying
• AED 100 per day after one year of overstaying

Grace period

1. UAE Visit VISA/Tourist Visa Holders:

The 30 days on arrival visa and UAE visit visa holders get a grace period of 10 days after their visa expires. During this grace period, you can extend your visa, change your visa or leave the country. When you overstay, behold the grace period, you will get fined, as mentioned above.

2. Residence Visa/Employment Visa Holders

If you are made redundant, you lose your residence or employment visa. The UAE government allows a grace period of 30 days to leave the country or look for another job.

Currently, the authorities allow a grace period of three to six months to stay in UAE after losing your job. You get a humble time to search for another job. The government aims to retain talent in the country.

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It’s been amazing journey collecting, organizing & publishing UAE travel related information. We often hear our guests says it was some thing useful when I found Arabiers, that give me motivation to sit hours & hours with subject experts to extract right information that are useful but updated. I would love to write some thing that useful for any travelers, Recidents & locals, we at Arabiers trying our level best provide right information & aiming at updating our information page as much as we can, looking forward your feedback.

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New visa rules in the UAE – Everything we know so far

• New Visa Rules in the UAE

The government has announced major changes to the UAE visas from September 2022. Like other lucrative visa and investment offerings, these updates will ensure that the UAE continues to attract the best talent from across the globe. Moreover, the new visa rules in the UAE will facilitate investors, students, and skilled professionals, among others.

NEW VISA RULES IN THE UAE

Whether you want to invite a family member or visit the country to look for a job, the new visa system in the UAE is good news. While complete details have not been announced yet, we know the basics.

Let’s look at the wide-ranging new visa changes in UAE in detail to find out more.

The new Entry and Residence Scheme offers 10 types of entry visas with simplified requirements and more benefits. New visas require no host or sponsor, offer more flexibility, multi entry, 60 days validity and one unified platform to apply at pic.twitter.com/0PsCJYaoyR — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 18, 2022

JOB EXPLORATION ENTRY VISA

Many young professionals visit the UAE to find exciting job opportunities. The new job exploration entry visa, in particular, will make this endeavour easier.

Thanks to the new visa system in the UAE, applicants for this visa will not require a host or sponsor. Anyone who has graduated from any of the best 500 universities globally and is classified in the first, second or third skill level (as listed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation ) will be able to apply.

MULTI-ENTRY TOURIST VISA

A new 5-year tourist visa is also part of the newly introduced visa rules, which means tourists no longer need a sponsor to apply. One could stay for 90 days in a row, and the visa can be extended further. However, the maximum number of days of stay in the UAE is limited to 180 days per year.

Candidates must submit a six-month bank statement with a minimum balance of $4,000 (in any currency) with the application.

FAMILY MEMBERS VISAS

The new visa changes in UAE bring excellent news for family members of residents. Parents can now sponsor their unmarried daughter indefinitely and their sons until age 25. Previously, the cut off age for boys was 18. Green visa holders can bring any first-degree relatives who can stay as long as the Green visa of the resident remains valid.

Moreover, children with disabilities will get a resident permit permanently regardless of their age.

GOLDEN VISA – FAMILY AND DOMESTIC WORKERS

As per the new visa rules in the UAE, changes have been made to the Golden Residence Scheme. The aim is to expand the beneficiaries’ categories and simplify the eligibility criteria.

A Golden Residence holder is eligible to sponsor family members regardless of their age as well as domestic workers. Moreover, one can stay outside of the country for any duration without the Golden Residence being invalidated.

Another benefit is that in case the Golden Residence visa holder passes away, their family members can stay in the country till the end of the permit’s validity.

GOLDEN VISA – SCIENTISTS

Emirates Scientists Council can recommend scientists and researchers of high calibre for this visa type. The basic requirement is a PhD or a Master’s degree in technology, engineering, natural sciences and life sciences. Individuals with substantial research achievements will be considered for this category.

GOLDEN VISA – SKILLED PROFESSIONALS

New professions are added to the fields that make one eligible for the skilled professionals’ golden visa. The list now includes sciences and engineering, medicine, IT, education, business and administration, social sciences, law and culture.

Applicants must have a valid employment contract. Moreover, the job area has to be classified by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation in the first or second occupational level.

As for education credentials, the individual must have a Bachelor’s degree, and the monthly salary has to be AED 30k or more.

GOLDEN VISA – EXCEPTIONAL TALENTS

This type of visa is granted based on talent only, irrespective of one’s qualification, monthly salary or employment status. The approval or recommendation comes from a federal or local government entity. Sportsmen and women, artists, digital technology professionals, individuals working in the field of culture, inventors, and innovators can apply for the visa.

GOLDEN VISA – REAL ESTATE INVESTORS

By investing a minimum of AED 2M, one can get a Golden visa as a real estate investor. With the UAE visa system update, investors can get a residence visa even when purchasing a property by acquiring a loan from local banks.

Similarly, they can get Golden Residence by buying one or more off-plan properties worth AED 2M or more from certain approved local real estate enterprises.

GOLDEN RESIDENCE – ENTREPRENEURS

Anyone who owns or partners in a UAE registered start-up in the small and medium enterprise category could be eligible for this visa. However, the firm has to generate annual revenue of AED 1M.

Suppose an individual was one of the founders of an entrepreneurial project that is sold for a minimum of AED 7M. In that case, they will also be eligible for a Golden Residence. The visa will be approved by either a competent local authority or the Ministry of Economy.

GOLDEN VISA – STUDENTS AND GRADUATES

This visa targets high achievers from UAE secondary schools, UAE universities and the top 100 global universities. Graduation year, academic performance, and the university’s classification are the base criteria for selection.

GREEN VISA – SKILLED EMPLOYEES AND FREELANCERS

Skilled employees and freelancers will also be major beneficiaries of the new visa rules in the UAE. Those who earn a minimum of AED 15k and have a bachelor’s degree can apply for a 5-year residency visa for skilled employees. Applicants don’t need to apply via an employer or a sponsor.

GREEN VISA – INVESTOR OR PARTNER

The purpose of this residence visa is to encourage investors. The five-year residency for investors is for individuals who establish or participate in commercial activities. Earlier, this visa had a two-year validity.

Investors would need to show approval and proof of investment for the new Green Visa. If an individual has more than a single licence, the total invested capital will be examined.

FAQS ABOUT THE NEW VISA RULES IN THE UAE

When will these uae visa system changes come into effect.

As mentioned earlier, these changes will be implemented from September 2022.

HOW CAN I CHECK MY UAE VISA STATUS?

Whilst living in the UAE, it is essential that you are aware of your visa status at all times. Remember, overstaying your visa can lead to heavy fines. Here is how you can check your UAE visa status .

This concludes our look at the newly announced new visa rules in the UAE. Bookmark this page as we will update it as and when further updates are announced. The new visa rules and categories come as excellent news for people already in the UAE or planning to move there. Also, investors, top professionals, excelling students, artists, sports personalities and many others have the chance to make UAE their home!

Stay tuned to MyBayut to keep pace with the latest UAE laws and regulations updates.

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Everything to Know About the UAE’s New Visa Rules, Implementation Dates, and Eligibility

Photo: Instagram.com/hhshkmohd

The UAE Cabinet, led by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum , the UAE Vice President, Prime Minister, and Ruler of Dubai announced on Monday a set of administrative regulations to attract and preserve accomplished and skilled individuals in the country.

The new rules, which will be in effect from October 3 this year, will broaden the eligibility criteria to apply for long-term visas and will also increase the number of individuals who can apply for them.

Read on to know more about the new set of rules and regulations.

The new visa scheme is in its initial stages

As previously announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security this week, the new rules are just beginning to be implemented, and will only be launched officially in a month. During the press briefing, the officials also said the introduction of the new UAE passport is also just in its preliminary phase and will be launched on October 3.

Earlier this year in April, the country also announced drastic changes to the UAE visa system, making it easier for both residents and visitors alike to enter the country. The changes were approved by the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai and state that the simplified strategy of 10 types of visas is a “step that supports the country’s competitiveness in the tourism, economic and educational sectors,” according to a tweet from the UAE government.

New visas for visitors

Once the new rules are thoroughly set in place, the tourist visas will be valid for 60 days, as opposed to their current validity of 30 days. A five-year, multi-entry tourist visa has also been announced and allows visitors to stay up to 90 continuous days in the UAE , although they are not allowed to go more than 180 days in a year.

Expansion of the UAE golden visa

تحديثات جديدة ضمن #الإقامة_الذهبية في المنظومة الجديدة لتأشيرات الدخول والإقامة في #الإمارات ، وتوسيع نطاق المستفيدين والمزايا لتشمل 10 سنوات قابلة للتجديد في إطار استقطاب واستبقاء أصحاب المهارات والكفاءات pic.twitter.com/i1fQrvpLo4 — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 18, 2022

The process for availing of the UAE golden visa has also been made easier, with simpler requirements to meet along with wider eligibility criteria. Public and real estate investors, notable talents in various fields that include art and culture, digital technology, and sport as well as an array of scientists and professionals along with frontline workers are also eligible to apply.

New five-year green visa

10 أنواع رئيسية من تأشيرات الدخول لزيارة دولة #الإمارات ضمن المنظومة الجديدة باشتراطات مبسطة ومزايا جديدة أهمها طرح تأشيرات بدون ضامن أو مستضيف ومرونة مدة بقاء الزائر في الدولة وإمكانية السفر لعدة مرات وصلاحية دخول لمدة 60 يوماً قابلة للتجديد، وآلية تقديم ضمن منصة واحدة pic.twitter.com/6uG9shlnFM — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 18, 2022

The five-year UAE green visa is a residency visa that will allow its holder to sponsor themselves for a period of five years without the need for company sponsorship, along with providing a host of benefits to their respective family members. The three types of UAE residents who are eligible to apply for the green visa are, freelancers or self-employed individuals, investors or partners in commercial businesses, and highly skilled workers.

Residency permits

تصاريح الإقامة في دولة #الإمارات ضمن المنظومة الجديدة لتأشيرات الدخول والإقامة، والتي تضم أنواع جديدة من الإقامات للمستثمرين والعمالة الماهرة وأصحاب العمل الحر وأفراد الأسرة بمزايا متنوعة تدعم مختلف القطاعات pic.twitter.com/HvyOfGGIPO — UAEGOV (@UAEmediaoffice) April 18, 2022

Residents will now be able to sponsor their unmarried sons until the age of 25, as opposed to the current age of 18, and unmarried daughters regardless of their age. Moreover, several visas, including the one-year remote working visa, five-year retirement visa, and two-year real estate owner visa will not require a sponsor anymore and can be renewed for the same period.

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UAE hopes to attract skilled professionals with new visa rules

The new schemes have been described by local media as the biggest shake-up in the country’s immigration policy in years.

The United Arab Emirates has rolled out new visa rules, with the objective of attracting more skilled professionals to the country, as it seeks to bounce back from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and generate economic growth.

The visa rules are aimed at “improving the quality of life and making the experience of living, working and investing in the UAE a pleasant and happy one,” local outlet Gulf News reported Major General Sultan Yusef al-Nuaimi, the director general of residency and foreigners affairs, as saying.

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The schemes were rolled out on Monday, and have been described by local media as the biggest shake-up in the country’s immigration and residency policy in years.

Included among the changes are longer 60-day tourist visas allowing long-term residency for professional workers and easier access to the UAE’s 10-year Golden Visa scheme.

The latter refers to visas that are offered to gifted students, exceptionally skilled foreign workers, and people with public investments of at least 10 million dirhams (about $2.7m) who can live in the country without the need for a national sponsor, subject to renewal every 10 years. Additionally, the recipients, who can either apply online or be nominated by Emirati government bodies, can own 100 percent of their businesses located on the mainland.

Under the new rules, parents are now allowed to sponsor their children until they are 25 years old, up from the previous age of 18.

A five-year, flexible multi-entry tourist visa was also introduced that allows travellers to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days in a row.

Furthermore, the job exploration visa, which allows professionals to find employment within the country, does not require an Emirati sponsor or host.

Candidates for the Green Visa – which include freelancers, self-employed people, skilled workers and investors – can now sponsor themselves without having to rely on a UAE national or employer to do so. They can also sponsor first-degree relatives for the duration of their residency, and are allowed a grace period of up to six months if their residence permit is cancelled or expires.

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New uae rules on visit visa, residence visa, entry visa to take effect starting september 5.

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New UAE rules on visas effective September 5

New visa rules under the UAE federal decree law on foreigners’ entry visa, including visit visa and golden visa, as well as residence visa, will take effect starting on September 5.

The federal decree law was issued by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Types of UAE visas specified

Under the new rules, an entry visa granted to a foreigner determines the purpose of entry into the UAE. The entry visas include visit visa, temporary or emergency entry visa, employment visa, residency visa, as well as entry visa for GCC residents and their foreign escorts.

A single entry or multiple entry visa allowing foreigners on temporary visit to the UAE may also be issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).

The entry visa is classified according to the purpose of the visit, such as tourism, visiting a relative or friend, work assignment, exploring job opportunities, exploring business opportunities, medical treatment, study, training or qualification, and courtesy visa.

A visit visa may be issued by a decision of the ICP head or his authorised representative, for other purposes.

Duration and validity of UAE visas

The ICP will determine the duration of a foreigner’s stay in the UAE. In all cases, the duration of stay should not exceed one year, with fees and a guarantee payment.

The entry visa can be extended on authority of the ICP head or his representative, depending on the validity of the reason for the extension and payment of extension fees.

The entry visit visa is valid for 60 days from the date of its issuance for the holder to enter the country. It can be renewed for similar periods after paying the prescribed fees.

The ICP may also grant a foreigner an entry visit visa for the purpose of tourism, provided that the guarantor or host is a tourism company based in the UAE. The entry visit visa will require a guarantee payment as well as a processing fee.

UAE entry visa fees

Fees for 10 entry visas to the UAE range between Dh200 and Dh1,500, when applying for the service through the ICP’s website www.icp.gov.ae or smart application UAEICP. Here is the partial list of visa fees:

Residence entry permit for family of partner and investor: Dh250

Residence entry permit for family of resident working in government sector: Dh200

Residence entry permit for the family of resident working in private sector or free zone: Dh250

Long-term single visit visa (work or entertainment for Emirati sponsor or resident): Dh550

Entry permit for business or entertainment for partner and investor: Dh550

Long-term multiple visit visa for work or entertainment for a partner and investor: Dh1,500

Entry visa for work or entertainment for Emirati sponsor or resident: Dh1,500

Entry permit for a long-term single visit (tourism): Dh550

According to the ICP, the fees must be paid through credit card, debit card or e-dirham and that the application form should be submitted via www.icp.gov.ae or the smart app UAEICP.

UAE employment visa

Pending the approval of the competent authorities, the ICP may grant an employment visa for the following categories: a foreigner employed by an employer under an employment contract, and holders of green residency.

UAE green residency for foreigners

The ICP may grant green residency to a foreigner coming to the country to reside as an investor or partner in a commercial project if the following conditions are met: the authority’s approval of the investment is obtained and the value of investment or partnership is as decided by the ICP chairman.

It also stipulates that the ICP may grant a foreigner an employment visa without the need for a sponsor or employer in the country if he is a skilled worker, provided the minimum educational level is a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent, and the monthly salary is not less than Dh15,000 or its equivalent in foreign currencies.

The decision stipulates that the residency permit granted to a foreigner shall be considered as void if the period of his residence outside the country has exceeded 180 consecutive days. The residence permit shall remain valid until the end of its term for the following categories: foreigner wives of UAE citizens; domestic workers accompanying citizens on scholarships to study abroad; domestic workers of Emirati patients traveling for medical treatment abroad and foreign patients and their companions traveling for treatment abroad, who have valid residence permits, provided they submit a medical report certified by the competent authorities in the UAE.

Other categories include domestic workers for members of diplomatic and consular missions and their employees holding UAE residence permits; foreigners delegated by public sector institutions to join training or specialised courses; employees working in overseas offices of such institutions abroad and their families holding valid UAE residence permits and domestic workers for members of the ruling families working in their homes abroad and who hold valid UAE residence permits.

They also include students enrolled in educational facilities abroad who have valid residence permits in the country; investors holding valid residence permits; people sponsored by diplomatic and consular representatives and their escorts and any other categories pending a decision by the ICP, provided they hold a valid residency permit. ICA/Expat Media

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New visa rules in UAE for 2024

In recent years, the United Arab Emirates has demonstrated its commitment to becoming the Middle East’s leading business hub by providing opportunities to foreign investors and specialists in various fields. The government has introduced numerous policies facilitating tourism, residency, businesses, startups, and investments. From a variety of visa options to the digitization of services, the UAE continuously strives to set the hospitality bar even higher.

In 2023, the country’s visa system underwent a significant overhaul. The introduced reforms deal with the issues of visa duration, visa extension, family sponsorship, new visa types, entry and exit rules, and more. The changes are aimed at simplifying the relevant procedures and providing more flexibility and convenience to newcomers and residents of the UAE. Let’s explore the new visa rules in detail.

2024 UAE residency rules

The first thing worth mentioning when it comes to the new UAE visa rules is the new visa types. These visas do not call for a local sponsor or host while offering a choice between single and multiple entries. The length of stay under such visas is changeable, as they are renewable with a validity period of 60 days. This is a step towards considerable simplification of entry procedures for tourists and visitors to the UAE.

Here are other major changes to the residency rules.

Visa extensions

One of the key changes in visa regulations is the introduction of visa extensions. Under the new visa rules, holders of 90-day visitor visas now have the opportunity to extend them one time for 30 days. In addition, all types of tourist visas can be extended for an additional 30 days from inside the country, which makes the UAE visa mechanism significantly more flexible and convenient.

This means, for example, that the period of stay in Dubai on a 90-day tourist visa can be extended to 120 days (maximum stay length) without having to leave the country and re-enter to obtain a new visa. You can extend your visa at the same place where it was obtained, and the cost of the extension is currently AED 600.

The fees for UAE and Dubai visas, in particular, have been increased. As for UAE entry permits, they can now be managed through a personal online account, including both permit renewals and cancellations. For example, if a visitor visa has not been used, it must be canceled within the specified period. This procedure will cost AED 300.

Another significant change is the introduction of a new multi-entry tourist visa with a validity period of five years. This visa allows its holder to make self-sponsored visits to the UAE for up to 90 days at a time and extend the length of stay by a further 90 days, bringing the total possible period of stay in the UAE to six months for each entry. This new multi-entry visa requires evidence of a bank balance of at least USD 4,000 in the previous half-year period.

Residing in the UAE after the visa expiration date entails a fine of AED 100 and AED 50 for each day of delay, as well as the need to obtain permission to leave the country. Visitor visas have a 10-day grace period, after which penalties begin to accrue.

Family sponsorship, friends and relatives

The newly introduced rules include updates to family sponsorship. Presently, male children can be sponsored by their parents until the age of 25, while unmarried daughters are eligible for sponsorship without any age limits. Children with disabilities can also be sponsored for an unlimited amount of time, making the new family sponsorship rules more inclusive.

The next change involves residence permits for family members of citizens of the UAE and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Residence permits can be received by children and spouses of GCC citizens with foreign passports, parents and children of UAE nationals with foreign passports, and by widowed female residents with children.

Also, under the new rules, the entry permit for visiting family or friends in the UAE does not require a host or a sponsor. The same goes for work trips, as long as the person visiting is provided sponsorship by the employer. In a similar manner, accredited educational institutions and certain public or private bodies can provide entry permit sponsorship to those visiting the UAE for training or studying purposes - for example, work placement programs, educational courses, etc.

In addition, owners of residence visas who have spent over six months outside the UAE now have the option of acquiring a re-entry permit. This provides an opportunity to maintain the residency status by returning to the Emirates within 30 days of approval.

Job exploration and business

The new visa rules also offer new opportunities to young specialists and entrepreneurs. For example, graduates from the world's 500 top-ranked universities and young professionals are eligible for a job exploration visa that does not require a sponsor or a host. This visa allows them to seek employment in the United Arab Emirates as long as they have a minimum of a BSc or equivalent degree and the qualification of the first three skill levels.

In addition to welcoming skilled professionals and promising talent, the country’s authorities have been continuously introducing various policies facilitating foreign investments in local industries and businesses. Another step in this direction is the business entry visa which also comes with no sponsorship requirements and is aimed at foreign or expat entrepreneurs and investors willing to engage in business or investments in the UAE.

Visa and permit validity periods

In a move aimed at decreasing the financial burden on residents, the Federal National Council of the UAE has approved the extension of work permits, changing their validity period from two to three years. The residency visas of children of Emirati women and expatriates were also extended, their validity period now being 5 years instead of 3.

The Green Visa provides a five-year stay for entrepreneurs, investors, freelancers, and skilled specialists in various fields. Designed to enhance the influx of skilled workforce to the UAE and encourage investments in the country’s economy, the Green Visa is available to individuals without a sponsor or employer sponsorship and includes a half-year grace period after the expiry or termination of the permit.

Furthermore, the changes have also affected the UAE Golden Visa program. The Golden Visa now has a 10-year validity period for all who satisfy the eligibility criteria, which includes researchers, scientists, skilled specialists, and people with extraordinary talent. In addition to real estate, business, and start-up investors, the eligibility list includes outstanding students, doctors, nurses, humanitarian pioneers, and creative professionals over the age of 25. Another benefit of the Golden Visa program is the opportunity to sponsor your parents for a 10-year residency visa as well.

Online visa management

As the UAE authorities place a great emphasis on the overall digitization of state services, they introduce online platforms such as ICA Smart Services or the GDRFA website that facilitate the management and processing of visas and relevant documents. For example, Emirates ID has replaced the physical stamps in residency visas, and visa holders are now allowed to change visa-related information online.

You can also use online services for other related activities, such as monitoring and calculating your overstay fines in case of visa expiry.

UAE golden visa rules for 2024

As today’s purpose of the Golden Visa program is in no small part to attract young and outstanding talent to the UAE, its eligibility criteria now cover a much wider range of people. This includes recent graduates from the world's top 100 universities (approved by the UAE Ministry of Education), students and athletes with outstanding achievements, entrepreneurs with innovative projects, humanitarian work pioneers, frontline heroes, doctors, scientists, and researchers.

The UAE Golden Visa offers its holders an array of privileges, from sponsorship opportunities to better education and healthcare, the Esaad discount program, tax benefits, freehold property ownership, and others. For example, you can sponsor your family members and domestic helpers for residency visas, get discounts on a range of services, convert your foreign driving license without additional training, or enjoy lower interest rates with bank loans and mortgages.

In line with the country’s overall digitization effort, the processing of applications for the UAE Golden Visa has been updated. Applications can now be submitted through either of four 24/7 functioning channels: Customer Happiness Centers, the UAEICP platform or smartphone application, and licensed typing offices. The document requirements for the application are minimal – only a colored personal photo and a passport valid for at least six months. The visa fee is AED 350, which comprises all the included expenses and services. Applicants may apply for a one-off extension of 60 days if the visa is not used within the specified period.

UAE green visa rules for 2024

Essentially, the Green Visa is a self-sponsorship program enabling highly skilled professionals, exceptional students and graduates, entrepreneurs, and investors to obtain a UAE residency. Introduced in 2022, the Green Visa has a validity period of 5 years and does not require a local UAE sponsor, which is perfect for self-employed professionals, freelancers, and skilled specialists in different fields seeking to reside in the UAE.

The preliminary approval of candidates is carried out by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, after which they can enter the UAE and complete the mandatory visa-related procedures. Currently, the entry permits can be managed online through a personal account on the ICP platform.

The eligibility criteria for skilled specialists are having a valid employment contract, a bachelor’s degree, and a minimum monthly wage of AED 15,000. Their eligibility must be approved by the UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. The ministry also issues permits for self-employed professionals and freelancers, the eligibility requirements for which include a BSc or an equivalent diploma, evidence of the total annual income of AED 36,000 over a 2-year period, and proof of their financial solvency for their proposed residency period in the UAE. The criteria for investors and partners is a minimal total investment of AED 1,000,000, which can be drawn from different licenses and has to be approved by the local government.

Apart from the 5-year visa validity and no sponsorship requirement, the advantages of the Green Visa program include easier residency sponsorship of family members, which facilitates long-term planning of the future, and an extended half-year grace period for leaving the UAE in case of visa expiry or termination. The visa fee amounts to AED 2,280, which includes application, issuance, and digital services, but excludes additional expenses, such as medical services and the ID card.

Overview of new changes to UAE visa rules

• All tourist visas can be extended by an additional 30 days. Keep in mind that the maximum allowed length of stay in the UAE under such visas is 120 days.
• With a 90-day visitor visa, you can apply for a 90-day visa extension, which basically doubles its validity period.
• Visas can now be managed online using government websites, platforms, and mobile applications, making the process much more convenient.
• Visa extension comes with a fee that depends on the visa type and is carried out by the same authority or agency that issued the visa initially.
• Multi-entry visas are now available with a validity period of 5 years.
• The Golden Visa program has extended its eligibility criteria to the list of available benefits, including 10-year visa validity for all visa holders.
• The Green Visa has a validity period of 5 years for all its holders and now has an extended half-year grace period.
• The validity period of work permits has been increased to 3 years, and residency visas of children of Emirati women and expatriates are now valid for 5 years.
• Male children can now be sponsored by their parents until the age of 25, while unmarried daughters are eligible for sponsorship without any age limits.
• Children with disabilities can also be sponsored for an unlimited amount of time, making the new family sponsorship rules more inclusive.

The new UAE visa rules and the changes made reflect the country’s most recent steps in its long-term strategy of digitization, simplification, and inclusivity. The UAE Government has a clear vision of the country’s future and a strong understanding of what needs to be done to make it even more appealing to tourists, professionals, investors, and entrepreneurs from all over the globe.

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UAE: Work in progress to launch single GCC tourist visa, minister says

E fforts are underway in collaboration with other GCC partners to launch the unified GCC tourist visa, said Abdullah bin Touq Al Marri, UAE’s Minister of Economy.

“Once it comes into effect, it will contribute to highlighting the diverse tourism destinations in GCC countries, attracting and retaining tourists for longer periods, thus increasing the number of hotel guests and making the region one of the leading destinations for regional and international tourists alike,” Al Marri said after attending a meeting at the World Economic Forum in Riyadh on April 28 and 29.

The Gulf countries have been working on a single tourist visa – similar to Schengen-style visa – for over one year. It is expected to be rolled out once all the countries have put in place their system for smooth and seamless entry of foreign tourists into the region.

It is expected that the single tourist visa will be rolled out either later this year or next year. However, an official announcement is still awaited.

The minister further stressed developing sustainability in advancing tourism in the region due to environmental and social challenges that this region faces. He called for enhancing the regional and global tourism infrastructure to ensure the sustainability of the sector, which contributes massively to the regional economies and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs.

Al Marri added that there are challenges ahead for sustainable tourism, most notably the necessity to up-skill the workforce, improving their performance and expertise in tourism.

Al Marri said the UAE has developed sustainable tourism practices such as eco-friendly accommodation, wildlife conservation, cultural heritage, and the launch of national initiatives and strategies such as the ‘National Tourism Strategy 2031.’

As reported by Khaleej Times earlier, the tourism sector in the UAE in 2023 compared to 2022 and surpassed 2019 levels by 14 per cent. Its contribution to the country's GDP amounted to Dh220 billion, accounting for 11.7 per cent. This is expected to rise in 2024 to Dh236 billion, equivalent to 12 per cent of the country's GDP, according to a recent report by the World Travel and Tourism Council.

In addition, this sector provided 809,000 jobs in various activities and tourism fields in the country in 2023, equivalent to 12.3 per cent of the total labour market. With five per cent growth from 2022, exceeding 2019 levels with 11.4 per cent growth, the number of jobs it creates is expected to reach 833,000 in 2024. There are currently 1,235 hotels in the UAE providing a total of 210,000 rooms for guests and visitors.

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UAE: No visit visa extensions without exiting country; here's everything you need to know

What do the new rules mean for those who are currently on a visit in the country.

Nasreen Abdulla

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Published: Wed 14 Dec 2022, 12:38 PM

Last updated: Fri 20 Jan 2023, 5:10 PM

On Tuesday, new rules came into effect which discontinued the option for visit visa holders in the UAE to extend their visas from within the country. As of now, visitors must exit the country once their visa validity is over.

What does this mean for those who are currently on a visit in the country? Here is what travel agents had to say:

“It was during the Covid pandemic that the UAE first introduced the option for visitors to extend their visas from within the country,” said Afi Ahmed from Smart Travels. "The option to extend the visa or change [their] status from the country was not available before that.”

During the pandemic, when travel became difficult, the UAE made this change due to humanitarian concerns. Visitors who have secured a job in the country or are opting for a residency visa must also exit the country and re-enter for the status change to be effective.

The change in rules came into immediate effect on Tuesday, December 13. Travel agents pointed out that the amendments have come into place in all emirates except Dubai. “We applied for an extension for a Dubai visit visa on Tuesday and it was approved,” said Bharat Aidasani from Pluto Travels. “We tried the same for two Abu Dhabi and Sharjah-based visas but it was rejected.”

However, some Dubai agents reported that they were unable to process visit visa extensions with an error showing up when they try to apply. Others reported their visa extensions getting rejected.

“There are a number of residency visa options available for those wanting to stay longer in the country,” said Abdul Rahim from Aftab Tours. “There are the usual 2-year visas, freelance permits, work from home visas and many more for people to choose from. So, it is not really necessary for people to extend their visit visas.”

Other travel agents also agreed. “We have seen cases of some people staying in the country for even a year on a visit visa,” said Bharat. “The government does not really want to encourage that. Those who come for tourism purposes will rarely extend their visas indefinitely like this. For those who are in the country for other purposes, they have several visas to choose from. So, I understand why the changes have been made.”

A call centre representative from Rayna Tours also explained that freelance visa permits allowed people to stay in the country and look for work, or take up jobs on a freelance basis.

Currently, those who are in the country on a visit visa have several options available to them.

• Those who want to extend their visit visa and have a visa from Dubai can extend from within the country until further notice.
• Those who have a visit visa from any other emirate and want to continue staying in the UAE on a visit visa must exit the country and apply for a new permit.
• Those who are on a visit visa and want to change their status must apply for their visa, and once the approval comes through, they must exit the country and re-enter.

Here are some questions from Khaleej Times' readers answered by Afi Ahmed, Smart Travels:

My travel agent said visa renewal from inside the country without exiting has been suspended. My visa expires today. So, should I leave the country today?

It depends on whether the visit visa is from Dubai or not. If it is from Dubai, then, right now, you may have the option to extend it. You will need to check with your travel agency. However, if it is from any other emirate, you must leave the country ASAP.

How many days of grace period are there for me to make my travel arrangements?

It depends on your visa duration. If you have a 30-day visit visa, you have a 10-day grace period to exit the country. After the ten days, you will start getting a fine. You can check how many days of grace period you have left on the smart channel portal https://beta.smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/fileValidity

I came into this country before this new system was implemented. Will this affect my case too for visa renewal?

Yes. The new rule is applicable to everyone with immediate effect.

• UAE: No visit visa extension without exiting the country, say travel agents
• UAE: Visitors scramble for tickets to neighbouring countries following visit visa rule change
• UAE visa cancellation: 3 ways expats can cancel their entry permit

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