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New UAE visa rules to begin today

New version of the uae passport will start being issued.

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

The UAE's new visa rules come into force today, Monday October 3.

Among the major changes, which were approved by the Cabinet in April, are longer visit visas for tourists , long-term residency for sought-after professionals and easy access to the 10-year golden visa initiative.

Golden visa holders who stay outside the country will not have their permits cancelled.

People who cancel their residency visas will have a six-month grace period to stay in the country. Previously, people were allowed only one month.

What are the new visa rules?

The visa changes represent one of the biggest shake-ups of the country’s immigration policy in years.

The new visas include a standard 60-day entry permit , rather than 30 days at present, and a five-year, multi-entry tourist visa that allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days in a row.

The UAE will also introduce five-year green visas , which are aimed at skilled workers, freelancers and the self-employed, and a job exploration entry visa for degree holders that does not require a sponsor or a host.

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.

Is the golden visa changing?

The golden visa initiative will also be expanded, as skilled professionals on salaries of Dh30,000 ($8,100) a month or more will find it easier to secure a 10-year visa.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security last month also unveiled the new version of the UAE passport . Current holders whose passports have expired can apply for a new one through the ICP's website or smart app or the country's embassies and consulates.

The new passport has enhanced security features such as a polycarbonate data page made using complicated spectrum patterns.

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New UAE visas: Five-year Green Visa and Jobseeker Visa will come into effect from October 3

Living in uae.

Green Visa applies to skilled worker, self-employed and investor

Dubai: An updated visa system will come into effect in the UAE from Monday, October 3, 2022, allowing several options to visitors and residents to apply for visas without the need for a UAE-based sponsor.

The changes were announced by the Federal Authority for Identity Citizenship Customs and Ports Security (ICP) at a press conference on September 5, with details of new visa categories available to expatriates, as well as additional benefits for exisiting UAE residents.

The system was designed to offer greater flexibility and independence to the individual in the UAE labour market.

What is the updated visa system?

During the press conference by the ICP, Major General Sultan Yousef Al Nuaimi, Director General of Residency and Foreigners Affairs at the authority, explained that the new regulation includes an updated visa system that contributes to supporting the sustainable development process and the policy of economic diversification in the UAE, by attracting skilled workers, scientific competencies, experienced people, creative people and skilled specialists, which leads to raising the level of productivity and enhancing the competitiveness of the nation’s economy.

Al Nuaimi added: “The updated visa system is characterised by the multiplicity of types of residency and the addition of new ones to suit all categories of investors, entrepreneurs, talented scientists and specialists, early students, graduates, pioneers of humanitarian work, the first line of defense and skilled Labour in all fields, in addition to alleviating burdens and simplifying procedures, adding new benefits for residency holders and separating residency from the employer, which contributes to improving the quality of life and making the experience of living, working and investing in the UAE a pleasant and happy one.”

The updated visa system now includes the Green Visa, Jobseeker Visa, and additional benefits for Golden Visa holders .

Five-year Green Visa

Major General Khamis Al Kaabi, Director General of Support Services at the ICP, said: "The new executive regulation for the entry and residence of foreigners, which will come into force on October 3, includes an integrated system of residency with great advantages and facilities, most notably the Green visa, which is granted for a period of five years, subject to renewal, and includes greater advantages for family members of residents, including flexible grace periods of up to six months after expiry or cancellation of residence.”

The three categories of Green Visa are:

• the green residency for the skilled worker;

• the green residency for self-employment;

• the green residency for the investor or partner in a commercial activity without a guarantor and for a period of 5 years, subject to renewal, to replace the investor's previous residency of two years. With simpler terms and greater benefits, and allowing those holders of green residency to bring in first-degree relatives.

Jobseeker Visa

Another type of visa, which was announced as part of the updated visa system is a visa for job seekers. It allows you to come to the UAE without the need of a sponsor or host to explore work, investment and business opportunities. It is essentially an updated entry permit system.

Al Kaabi added: "A visa has been created to explore job opportunities and another to explore investment and business opportunities to attract investors without a guarantor or host inside the country, according to the conditions set forth in the new executive regulations."

At the press conference ICP also announced the new UAE passport for Emiratis. The new generation document is printed using laser and polycarbonate material, not paper, which makes it difficult to damage, tear or forge, and provides faster printing and greater security.

Major General Suhail Jumaa Al Khaili, Director General of Identity and Passports at the authority, pointed out that by issuing the new Emirati passport, the ICP will move towards a decentralised service. The new passport will now be printed in seven centres nationwide, an increase from the previous two centres, leading to a faster and easier service.

The article was first published on September 5, 2022.

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Uae changes entry rule for 90-day tourist visa holders.

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The UAE has changed the entry rule for 90-day tourist visa holders, allowing them to enter the country more than once.

The new entry rule for holders of the regular 90-day tourist visa was announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).

Previously, holders of the regular 90-day tourist visa were allowed to enter the UAE only once.

According to the ICP, the updated system will be enforced starting October 3, and will also include updates to other visas, including multiple entry visas.

ALSO READ: 4 multiple entry visas to UAE  

Changing the entry rule for 90-day normal visit visa to allow the holder to enter more than once will be applied to all types of visas within the new updated system, according to the ICP.

The ICP pointed out, however, that some visas will only allow entry to the UAE once, which includes visit visa.

Multi-entry UAE visit visa

The authority also issues a multi-entry visit visa for the purpose of tourism, valid for a period of 5 years, without the requirement of a guarantor or host within the country. The applicant needs provide proof of a six-month bank balance of $4,000.

ALSO READ: Dubai starts issuing 5-year multiple entry visas

The ICP clarified that the multiple-entry tourist visa allows holder to stay in the country for a continuous period not exceeding 90 days, and can be extended for a similar period, provided that the entire stay period does not exceed 180 days in a year.

The updated entry visas provide new and multiple options for those wishing to visit the UAE with flexible and extendable periods of up to one year, without the requirement of a guarantor or host, according to the ICP. ICA/Expat Media

ALSO READ: New UAE visa rules

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The latest updates on tourist and residency visas in the UAE

• Suspension of visit visas for some countries
• Tourist visa grace period extension
• New grace period for visas expiring after March 1, 2020
• Grace period for visas expiring before March 1, 2020
• Exception for cancelled visa holders
• Announcement for UAE residents

Since the outbreak of COVID-19, many people have been reaching out to us, with queries regarding the validity of their visa status, policy for renewal and cancellation of visa in the UAE. As the situation stabilises in the country, new visa rules in the UAE have been announced. Take a look below at the latest updates on tourist and residency visas in the UAE.

Current updates on tourist and residency visas in the UAE

Gradually, things are returning to normalcy in the country, so it’s not surprising that the government has issued some new visa rules in the UAE.

Temporary Suspension of Visit Visas for Twelve Countries

On 18th November 2020, the UAE government has announced the temporary suspension of visit visas for twelve countries including Pakistan, Turkey, Iran, Syria, Yemen, Somalia, Libya, Iraq, Kenya. This step is believed to be taken to prevent the second wave of Covid-19.

Grace period extension for expired tourist visa holders in Dubai

On 10 August 2020, the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, ICA, announced the extension of the deadline for expired tourist visa holders in the country for an additional 30 days from the previously announced deadline of August 11, 2020. This extension can only be applied for once. The process to do so has not yet been announced by ICA.

When the UAE first announced the visa regulations after international travel was impacted by COVID-19, the validity of tourist visas and entry permits had been extended until the end of December 2020. This was however amended in July 2020. On November 18 , however, the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) reverted the amendment. Now, overstayers have a grace period until the end of this year (31st Dec 2020) to leave the country without paying fines.

Grace period for residency visas, entry permits and identity cards expiring after March 1, 2020

On Friday, 10 July 2020, the UAE Cabinet announced amendments to its recent decisions regarding the validity of residency visas, entry permits and ID Cards for residents inside and outside the country.

WHAT WAS THE LATEST UAE VISA RULES UPDATE ANNOUNCED BY THE CABINET?

The UAE Cabinet has approved the cancellation of several recent decisions related to the validity extension of the residency visa in the UAE for expats, as well as entry permits and identity cards.

The government had earlier announced that the validity of residency visas for expats within and outside the UAE, which have expired between March 1 and March 31, 2020, would be automatically extended until 31 December 2020.

These earlier UAE visa regulations have now been cancelled . This means that UAE residents, including GCC Nationals, whose residency visa in the UAE has expired after March 1, 2020, will not receive a residency extension until 31 December 2020. The Cabinet’s approval of the cancellation of the UAE visa extension came into effect on Saturday, 11 June 2020.

WHAT ARE THE NEW PROVISIONS FOR UAE RESIDENTS WHOSE VISAS HAVE EXPIRED AFTER MARCH 1, 2020?

As per the latest amendment to UAE visa rules, there are specific grace periods for UAE residents whose visas have expired after March 1, 2020, depending on whether they are located within or outside the country:

• UAE residents within the country will receive grace period until October 10, 2020 , to renew their residency visa. This applies to residency visas in the UAE which expired between March 1 to July 11, 2020.
• UAE residents outside the country will receive a one-month grace period , effective from their date of entry into the UAE, to renew their residency visa. This applies to those residents who have spent less than six months outside the UAE.
• There is also a special grace period for UAE residents currently outside the country , whose visas have expired after March 1, 2020, or have spent more than six months outside the UAE, to return to the country. This will be effective from the date when flights resume between the two countries and will be determined by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).

WHEN CAN UAE RESIDENTS START RENEWING THEIR VISAS?

As per the latest guidelines, all UAE residents within the country whose visas have expired from March 1 and until July 11, have a grace period until October 10, 2020 , to renew their residency visa. This is regardless of when their residency visa in the UAE expired after March 1.

For those whose residency visas will expire from July 12 onwards, they will have a grace period of 30 days to renew their visa.

Three-month grace period for visas expiring before March 1, 2020

Earlier, it was announced that anyone with a visit or residence visa which has expired before March 1, 2020, had a three-month grace period (starting from 18th May 2020) to return to their home country without paying fines.

However, as per a new directive by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) in August 2020, this grace period has been extended for another three months. According to the ICA, this is for all violators whose visas expired before March 1.

Thus, those whose residency or visit visa has expired before March 1 and have continued to stay in the UAE, now have until November 17, 2020, to exit the country and have their fines waived. They will also not be banned from reentering the UAE, should they leave within the specified grace period.

Exception for those with cancelled visas

Newborn babies and residents with cancelled visas are not subject to this three-month grace period policy until further notice.

There are two options available for those whose visas were cancelled after March 1, 2020. According to UAE visa rules after cancellation, such visa holders can approach the Amer centres to change their visa status to a visit visa while in the UAE, for immediate relief. Alternatively, those with cancelled visas can return to their home country.

It is also important to note that fines will be levied if they fail to change their visa status. The overstay fines for the first day will be AED 221 with an additional AED 25 for each consequent day.

Return of UAE residents stranded outside the country

According to a new announcement made by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) and the Federal Authority For Identity and Citizenship (ICA), UAE residents with valid residence visas can now return to the UAE. The ICA has, however, asked the residents to register for ‘Residents’ Entry Permit’ service on their website so they can assist them accordingly.

If my visa expired after March 1, am I eligible to stay in the UAE till December 2020?

No. As per the new visa rules in the UAE, all residency visas expiring after March 1 will not receive a validity extension till the end of December 2020. Instead, UAE residents within the country will receive a grace period until October 10, 2020, to renew their residency visa in the UAE.

Those outside the country will receive a one-month grace period, from the date they enter the UAE.

Will the ICA start charging fees for its services again?

As per the latest decisions and amendments announced by the UAE Cabinet, the Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has been instructed to start collecting service fees and fines from Sunday, 12 July, onwards.

However, administrative fines shall be issued to those who cross the deadlines issued in the ICA’s latest update to UAE visa rules. Fines will not be collected during the exemption periods.

For how many days can I stay in the UAE after visa cancellation?

You have a 30 day grace period to leave the country and staying beyond that will make you liable to fines.

However, you also have an option to change your visa status to a tourist/visit visa while you are in the country, to stay for an additional period of time in the UAE. Make sure to change your visa status as soon as possible so you don’t have to pay any overstay fines.

However, this only applies if your residency visa in the UAE was cancelled after March 1, 2020.

How to cancel a residence visa in the UAE?

It is important to note that you cannot apply for visa cancellation process on your own; only your sponsor has the right to do so. However, if you hold an investor visa, you can initiate the visa cancellation process by yourself. To know more about the cancellation of residence visa, you can take a look at our guide to the visa cancellation process in the UAE .

For those whose visas have expired after March 1 and wish to leave the UAE, they must cancel their visas before October 10, 2020. They will then need to exit the country within the grace period mentioned on their visa cancellation papers.

How should I go back to my home country from the UAE?

Some airlines are offering outbound repatriation flights in the UAE. You may contact your concerned consulate or embassy to know more information about outbound flights.

How to check the status of residency visas in the UAE?

There are two ways to check residence visa status in the UAE. If you have a Dubai visa, you can visit the GDRFA portal and app while for other emirates, you can head on over to the Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship website. To know the complete procedure, you can take a look at our guide on how to check visa status in the UAE . Please note that thee may be expected delays for the correct information to be updated after the new announcement.

Who to contact to get more information about my visa in the UAE?

For Dubai visas, you can reach out to Amer centres on the toll-free number, i.e. 800 5111 if you are living in the UAE or dial +971-4-313-9999 if you are outside the UAE. For other emirates, however, contact the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) on 600-522-222.

And that brings an end to our post about the latest updates pertaining to visas in the UAE. As more and more directives are issued, we will keep adding more information to the post, so stay tuned to MyBayut . 

If you have any questions, share them in the comments section or reach out to us via our Facebook group .

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• Live and work
• Residency visas in Dubai

Dubai residency visa information

Renowned as a global hub for talent and investment, Dubai offers a plethora of visa options tailored to diverse needs, including Golden Visas, Virtual Work Visas and more. Learn more about the options available for relocating, investing, working remotely or retiring in Dubai.

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With its central location, Dubai offers unparalleled access to top destinations worldwide.

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Enjoy the highest standard of living in the world's most cosmopolitan city.

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Take advantage of sunny skies and pleasant weather all year long.

Visa types and eligibility criteria

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Relocate to Dubai

Dubai's vibrant energy and opportunities attract professionals, entrepreneurs and retirees alike, making it an ideal destination to establish roots or embark on new ventures.

The arts scene is burgeoning too at creative spaces like Alserkal Avenue – known for its contemporary galleries and workshops – and Dubai Design District (d3), with its exhibitions and studios.

Dubai also hosts festivals through the year, such as Dubai Summer Surprises and Dubai Shopping Festival. Other landmark events include the Emirates Airline Festival of Literature and Global Village.

Whether a five-star resort, a chic boutique hotel or a spacious villa with a beach at your doorstep - pick from an incredible range of options around the city.

European Union adopts more favourable Schengen visa rules for Indians

Indian Nationals can now apply for a multiple entry Schengen visa with longer validity

On 18 April 2024, the European Commission adopted specific rules on the issuing of multiple entry visas to Indian nationals, which are more favourable than the standard rules of the Visa Code that applied to date. This new visa ‘cascade’ regime for Indian nationals residing in India who apply for Schengen (short-stay) visas in India will provide easier access to visas with multi-year validity for travellers with an established travel history, if the passport validity allows. 

According to the newly adopted visa “cascade” regime for India, Indian nationals can now be issued long-term, multi-entry Schengen visas valid for two years after having obtained and lawfully used two visas within the previous three years. The two-year visa will normally be followed by a five-year visa, if the passport has sufficient validity remaining. During the validity period of these visas, holders enjoy travel rights equivalent to visa-free nationals.

This decision comes in the context of strengthened relations under the EU-India Common Agenda on Migration and Mobility, which seeks comprehensive cooperation on migration policy between the EU and India, with facilitation of people-to-people contacts being of key aspect due to the importance of India as a partner for the EU. 

Schengen visas allow the holder to travel freely in the Schengen area for short stays of a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day period. The visas are not purpose-bound, but they do not grant the right to work. The Schengen area consists of 29 European countries (of which 25 are EU states): Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Germany, Estonia, Greece, Spain, France, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Hungary, Malta, Netherlands, Austria, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland and Sweden, along with Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland.

Major Schengen visa update for Bahrain, Oman, Saudi Arabia and India

Under the new arrangement, nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain will be eligible for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas

Passport holders from Bahrain, Oman and Saudi Arabia, are set to benefit from extended travel privileges as the European Union (EU) announced the issuance of five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas.

The announcement was made by Josep Borrell, the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, during the High-Level Forum on Regional Security and Cooperation held in Luxembourg.

He said, “I would like to welcome the adoption by the [European] Commission this morning of decisions that will allow to harmonise the rules on the issuing of multiple-entry visas for GCC countries.”

Borrell expressed the EU’s commitment to strengthening relations with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries by harmonising visa rules.

The European Commission has adopted new rules for the issuance of Schengen visas for Saudi, Bahraini and Omani nationals residing in their home country. It is an important step promoting people-to-people contacts and facilitating exchanges between the EU and GCC citizens👇 pic.twitter.com/gV87IyhITx — EU in the GCC (@EUintheGCC) April 23, 2024

Schengen visa changes

Under the new arrangement, nationals of Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Bahrain will be eligible for five-year multiple-entry Schengen visas, allowing them to make multiple visits to Schengen Area countries within a calendar year.

However, travellers must adhere to the 90/180-day rule, limiting stays to a maximum of three months within any six-month period.

While specific details are yet to be officially released by EU authorities, it is anticipated that first-time applicants and eligible passport holders from the mentioned countries will benefit from the extended visa validity as well.

Notably, citizens of the UAE are currently the only GCC nationals who enjoy a visa-free entry to the Schengen Area, while discussions are ongoing between other GCC nations and the EU to further ease visa requirements.

Read: Visa-free travel to Schengen countries soon? GCC-EU talks see progress

Earlier this year, talks saw EU countries consider the lifting of visa requirements for nationals of Kuwait and Qatar based on several key criteria, as revealed in a recent report:

• Irregular migration
• Public policy and security
• Economic benefits
• EU relations with the countries

The European Union Commission’s assessment concluded that both Kuwait and Qatar present a low risk in terms of irregular immigration.

Should the European visa requirements for these GCC countries be lifted, travellers would be eligible for the European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS).

Indian nationals benefit from new Schengen visa rule change

In addition to the visa changes for Gulf citizens, the EU has also adopted more favorable Schengen visa rules for Indian nationals.

Eligible Indian travellers with an established travel history and prior Schengen visa usage will now be granted multiple-entry visas with extended validity, starting from two years and potentially extending to five years, subject to passport validity.

Previously, the standard rules of the Visa Code applied.

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