The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has declared a new entry and residency visa policies that aim at making the nation more destination friendly to professionals, tourists, and families. The Federal Authority of Identity, citizenship, customs and port security (ICP) brought about the changes and it consists of four new types of visit visas, revisions in humanitarian and family residence permits and a change in the sponsorship of relatives and friends.
Four New Visit Visa Categories
The UAE has launched four fresh categories of visit visas:
- Specialists in Artificial Intelligence (AI):
This visa allows single or multiple entries for a limited time. To apply, the visitor must provide a letter from a hosting or sponsoring organization that works in the technology sector. - Entertainment Visa:
Issued to foreigners visiting the UAE temporarily for entertainment-related purposes. - Event Visa:
Visitors to conferences, exhibitions, cultural programs, seminars, sporting and community events are granted this. The applicants require a public or private sector sponsor or host and letter containing the event details. - Tourism via Cruises and Yachts:
Designed for tourists arriving on cruise ships or luxury boats. This multiple-entry visa requires the host to be a facility licensed in the tourism sector.
Humanitarian Residence Permits
The new rules also include provisions for one-year humanitarian residence permits, extendable under special conditions. These will apply to people from countries affected by war, disasters, or unrest, and do not require a guarantor or host.
Special exemptions are also available for families bringing in relatives on humanitarian grounds, such as widows or divorcees. These permits may bypass financial or kinship requirements in some cases.
Residency for Widows and Divorcees
Foreign widows and divorcees can now apply for a one-year renewable residence permit.
- If the husband was Emirati: Residency must be applied for within six months of death or divorce.
- If the husband was a foreigner: Residency is allowed if the widow has custody of children and was already living in the UAE at the time of the husband’s death or divorce.
Sponsoring Relatives and Friends
The rules for sponsoring relatives and friends have been updated:
- At least Dh4,000 per month in the form of a minimum salary is needed to sponsor immediate family.
- In order to sponsor second-degree or third-degree relatives, one has to earn a minimum of Dh8,000 a month.
- The sponsor should have a minimum of Dh15,000 monthly in order to sponsor friends.
Business Exploration Visa
Applicants for the Business Exploration Visa now need to show financial solvency, prove they are engaged in their chosen activity abroad, or demonstrate professional expertise in the field.
Truck Drivers’ Visa
Truck drivers can now apply for single or multiple-entry visas if sponsored by a licensed freight company. Applicants must have valid health insurance and meet financial requirements.
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