The UAE has announced massive changes to its visa system, introducing a five-year tourist visa and several new types of visas, while expanding the Golden Visa program. The new five-year multi-entry visas for tourists in a move set to encourage longer and more frequent stays in the country. It allows visitors to enter several times over a calendar year or stay for 90 days at a stretch and extend it for another 90 days.
The scheme will be a boost for those with families based outside of the country and is also set to be a crucial tool for businesses aiming to bring employees in and out of the country for conferences and other events.
The UAE Cabinet, headed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, has approved the executive regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners, aimed at strengthening the country’s position as an ideal destination to live, work, and invest.
The new system of entry and residence aims at attracting and retaining global talents and skilled workers from all over the world, boosting the competitiveness and flexibility of the job market and fostering a high sense of stability among UAE residents and families, said a Wam news agency report.
In addition to the regular tourist visa that is sponsored by tourism establishment in the UAE, a five-year multi-entry tourist visa has been introduced. This type of visa does not require a sponsor and works as a self-sponsored visa as individuals can apply for it themselves directly online and do not need to apply via a travel agency, hotel or relative in the UAE. It allows the person to stay in the country up to 90 continuous days, and it may be extended for a similar period, provided that the entire period of stay does not exceed 180 days in one year.
The five-year multi-entry tourist visa is available to citizens of all countries. To be eligible, the visitor must provide a passport with six-month validity at the time of submission, a passport size photograph, medical insurance valid for the UAE and a bank statement of the last six months with a minimum balance of $4,000 or equivalent in another currency.
The new system also offers other visa types for different visit purposes. New types of visas are introduced without requiring a host or sponsor for the first time. Major improvements include facilitating the entry requirements for all visa types, offering flexible visa durations that meet the needs of the visitors and the purpose of the visit. In addition, all entry visas are available for single or multiple entry and can be renewed for similar period(s) and are valid for 60 days from their issuance date.
The other visas offered include:
Entry Permit for a Temporary Work Mission: This type is intended for those who have a temporary work assignment like probation testing or project-based mission, and is sponsored by the employer. It requires a temporary work contract or a letter from the employer clarifying the visit purpose and proof of health fitness to work.
Entry Permit for Study and Training: This type is intended for those attending training and study courses and/or participating in internship programs. The sponsor can be universities or educational or research institutions licenced in the country or government or private entities. It requires a letter from the entity, clarifying the details of the study or training or internship programme and its duration.
Job Exploration Entry Visa: This visa is introduced with the aim of attracting young talents and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities available in the country, it does not require a sponsor or a host. It is granted to those classified in the first or second or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and the fresh graduates of the best 500 universities in the world and the minimum educational level should be a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
Business Entry Visa: This type enables easy entry without requiring sponsor or host to encourage investors and entrepreneurs to explore business and investment opportunities in the UAE.
Entry Permit to Visit Relatives or Friends: As per the current amendment, a visitor can apply for this entry permit if he/she is a relative or friend of a UAE citizen or resident. It does not require a sponsor or a host.
The executive regulations of the Federal Decree-Law on Entry and Residence of Foreigners shall come into force after 90 days from the date of its publication in the Official Gazette, the report said.
