UAE Revamps Visa System
UAE Revamps Visa System: As Covid-19 travel restrictions come to an end, the UAE has seized the opportunity to overhaul its visa system. The eligibility for Golden Visa and family sponsorship has been expanded, there has been the introduction of a job seekers visa, a multiple-entry tourist visa, and a 60-day tourist visa. The changes seek to improve stability for residents, stimulate the economy, and improve flexibility for job seekers and tourists.
Sponsorship
The change of most relevance to families in the UAE is the expansion of the sponsorship capabilities. Residents may now sponsor their sons until the age of 25 (up from the age of 18). Children who are sponsored on their parent’s visas are also now permitted to engage in part-time work. Further, as part of the UAE’s push to increase tolerance towards people of determination, families may now also sponsor children with disabilities, regardless of their age.
Green Visas
First discussed in 2021, the UAE has now introduced a new form of residence that does not require sponsorship. This visa will be available to skilled professionals, freelancers, and entrepreneurs. The visa will be for a period of 5 years with a 6-month grace period once it has expired.
Golden Visa
Golden Residence holders may now sponsor as many domestic workers as they require. They also do not face the same limitations as other residents regarding the sponsorship of their children, who may be of any age. Family members sponsored by Golden Visa holders may also now remain in the country in the event of the holder’s death for the remaining duration of the visa. The eligibility criteria for Golden Visa holders as also been expanded to include skilled professionals with salaries over AED 30,000. Prior to this change, only individuals who significantly contributed to the economy or society were eligible. Further, all restrictions regarding the amount of time Golden Residents must spend in the UAE have been removed.
Entry Permits
The UAE has now extended the duration of standard entry permits (including tourist visas) to 60 days. A new five-year tourist has also been introduced that does not require sponsorship. Holders may enter the country multiple times, provided they do not spend more than 90 days in the country for each 180-day period. There have also been the introduction permits for the purposes of job seeking or exploring business opportunities in the country.
Going Forward
With these changes, the UAE is going to ensure that residents who have built their lives in the country are afforded more stability. They will also make it easier for individuals with useful talents to enter and remain in the country. The introduction of new entry permits will also aid in increasing tourism and boosting investment. These changes are evidence of the Governments efforts to not only ensure the UAE’s attractiveness to new ex-pats but also to mitigate the uncertainty residents faced at the beginning of the pandemic should a similar event ever occur.
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