Dubai | The UAE authorities have clarified that the procedures for obtaining a new visa are easy. Candidates, investors, visitors and employees will all benefit. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has started piloting an ‘innovative visa system’ to simplify procedures. It will come into full force on October 3. Arrangements are made by GDRFA in Dubai.
Golden Visa
Several amendments have been introduced in the Golden Visa scheme. This allows more categories of ten-year visas. Long-term resident visas are available for those with expertise in a particular field. The monthly salary was reduced from Dh50,000 to Dh30,000. These include medicine, sciences and engineering, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture and social sciences. Applicants must have a valid employment contract in the UAE. and must belong to the first or second occupational level as classified by the Ministry of Human Resources and Indigenization. A long-term visa can be obtained if a property worth at least two million dirhams has been purchased, even with loans from ‘designated local banks’.
Off-plan properties are allowed from ‘recognised local real estate companies’. Golden visa holders can sponsor children regardless of age. There is also no limit to the number of support staff they can sponsor. Staying outside the UAE for more than six months will not affect their visa.
Green Visa
This new visa allows skilled workers to stay for five years without a sponsor or employer. Skilled workers, freelancers and investors with a valid employment contract and a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 will be considered for the visa.
Visitor Visas
A normal visit visa can be renewed for a similar period. 60 days stay allowed.
A work exploration visa does not require a sponsor or host. It is granted to those classified in the first, second or third skill level under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation and fresh graduates from the world’s top 500 universities. A relative or friend of a UAE citizen or resident can apply for an entry permit. It does not require a sponsor or host.
Multi Entry Tourist Visa
No sponsor required. Allows multiple entries. It allows the visitor to stay in the country for up to 90 consecutive days. The entire period of stay in a year should not exceed 180 days. This visa requires proof of a bank balance of US$4,000 or equivalent in foreign currencies in the six months prior to application. Normally, once a residence visa expired, expatriates were given a 30-day grace period to leave the country or obtain another visa. But in the new system, there will be a flexible grace period of up to six months.