UAE ANNOUNCES NEW TOURIST AND RESIDENT VISA RULES

From 6-months residences to longer transit stays in the UAE, these new rules are changing the perceptions and taking UAE to new heights!

Earlier this week, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and the Ruler of Dubai along with the cabinet officials announced some lenient visa regulations, creating a hype among the tourists and residents of the UAE.

There are over 8 new rules that have been announced, and here’s what you need to know about them:

1. New Insurance Scheme:
Previously a mandatory deposit of AED 3,000 per worker is now been replaced by a new insurance policy that would cost AED 60 annually per person. This will allow employers to recover around Dh 14 Billion, representing the value of the current guarantees paid by all the employers. This recovered money can be utilized by the businesses for further development.

The insurance coverage will be 20,000 AED per worker and will include service benefits like vacation allowances, overtime & unpaid wages, employee’s return ticket and special cases of the work injury.

2. Increased Transit Visa Hours:
All transit passengers will benefit from an exemption of transit visa fees for the first 48 hours from any of the authorized UAE airports. However, the visa can be extended for up to 96 hours for a fee of AED 50.

Transit visas can be obtained from express counters at the passport control halls available at the airports.

3. “No Entry Stamps” exempted for Overstaying Passengers:
UAE job seekers who are “overstaying” have a chance to leave the country voluntarily without a “no entry” stamp on their passport.

4. Temporary visa for Job Seekers:
Job seekers and professionals will be provided with a temporary 6-months residency visa free of charge. Overstaying visitors can utilize this opportunity especially if they’re willing to reside in the country to find jobs.

This initiative will change UAE as a land of opportunities and trade, increasing its credibility in the international market.

Illegal Immigrants can Exit UAE for 2 Years:
Illegal residents in the UAE have an option of leaving the country and only receiving a “no entry” stamp which is said to be valid only for 2 years. Only for a period of 2 years, the individual will be restricted to enter UAE.

In order to obtain the “no entry” stamp for 2 years, a valid return ticket must be provided.

#UAE Cabinet approves new reforms to enhance #UAE‘s economy competitiveness. pic.twitter.com/JDomHZuR4M

— Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) June 13, 2018

6. Adjustments to Current Visas:
Individuals will no longer have to exit the country to renew their visa. Residents can renew their visa only by paying a small amount of fee. This focuses on the reduction of financial burden on individuals without having to exit and re-enter the country.

7. Permitting the People of Determination:
The cabinet has made an important decision of empowering the People of Determination so that they can find equal job opportunities and access the financial markets of the country in various sectors.

UAE will also be the host for the headquarters of the Asian Paralympic Committee which aims to serve Asia as a sports hub and providing training as well as courses to the people of determination.

8. Exemption of visas between Russia and UAE:
An agreement has been adopted by the governments of both the countries allowing a mutual visa exemption between the citizens of UAE and Russia. This highlights the new horizons focusing towards mutual tourism, investments, and trade in the two countries.

9. One Year Free Residency:
One-year free residency visa for nationals of war and disaster facing countries will be granted, offering them a chance to increase their living standards until they’re ready to migrate back to their home countries. They will also be exempted of any imposed fines.

The free residency will be in effect between 1st of August 2018 to 31st October 2018.

The changes that have been introduced are aiming at the enhancement and ease of doing business in the UAE and creating more employment opportunities for people residing here.