Dubai | Visitor visa reform in UAE is in full force. Ten types of visas are available. This can range from visiting loved ones to looking for livelihood opportunities. Officials have clarified that they are trying to make it easy for people from those who come only to see the Burj Khalifa to those who are looking for opportunities.
The ‘Normal Visitor Visa’ period has been extended from 30 days to 60 days. The visa does not require a host or sponsor. Visas are issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security to people visiting Abu Dhabi and the Northern Emirates excluding Dubai. In Dubai is the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners. Both authorities allow renewal of entry permit without leaving the country. A deposit of between Dh1,500 and Dh2,000 will be charged in addition to the visa fee. Tourist visas can be arranged through national airlines such as Emirates, Etihad Airways, Fly Dubai and Air Arabia, as well as through licensed travel agents and hotels. The visa can be obtained through a travel agency in the home country in association with a licensed tour operator in the UAE. Visa can be arranged through a tourist package.
A five-year multi-entry visa announced for tourists allows visitors to enter multiple times. A calendar year can be extended by another 90 days with a stay of 90 days. The entire period of stay should not exceed 180 days in a year. The Work Exploration Entry Visa is aimed at attracting young talent and skilled professionals. It does not require a sponsor or host. Transit visas can only be sponsored by UAE-based airlines. They must be obtained before entering the UAE.
Applications for new residence visas have begun
The UAE has started accepting waivers for new residency visas, including the Dubai Remote Working Visa. A remote working visa allows those working for a company based outside the UAE to reside in the UAE. The visa is granted for one year and can be extended for another year. No sponsor required. Those on remote work visas can also sponsor family members. Their visa duration will be the same as the sponsor’s visa duration.
For other emirates other than Dubai, the application should be made through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website https://icp.gov.ae and for Dubai through the Dubai Corporation of Tourism and Commerce Marketing website www.visitdubai.com. An employment contract valid for a period of one year should be produced. Must have an income of at least 18,250 dirhams ($5,000) per month. Apart from the salary slip, three months bank statement should also be produced.
Green Visa
A green visa allows you to stay in the UAE for up to five years under your own sponsorship. This system opens doors of opportunities for businessmen. The main feature of this visa is that you can stay in the country for a longer period of time instead of the normal visa which is valid for two or three years. Skilled occupations earning at least AED 15,000 per month can apply for a green visa. Degree is the minimum educational qualification. Green visa holders can also sponsor family members. Sponsorship of sons up to 25 years of age and daughters without any age limit is allowed. The sponsorship age limit for boys was earlier 18 years. Self-employed and freelancers can avail Green Visa.