The UAE authorities have changed the rules for issuing visas for foreign tourists: the validity of tourist visas has been increased to 60 days, five-year visas and other new types of documents have appeared, Gulf News reports.
“The new rules, which expand the opportunities for traveling to the country, came into force on October 3. Updating the visa issuance system will streamline the process of obtaining entry documents and meet the needs of all categories of foreigners and tourists in the future. It is aimed at increasing the population of the UAE through qualified entrepreneurs , scientists, successful students and graduates, workers,” the newspaper writes.
According to the portal, the validity of tourist visas has been extended from 30 to 60 days. It is also now possible to apply for a five-year multi-visa tourist, which will allow foreigners to stay in the UAE for 180 days a year or 90 days in a row. Foreigners can apply for a visa directly and the visa fee is 650 dirhams or $177. The application can be submitted through the UAEICP application.
The UAE authorities have also approved a new type of visa – a five-year resident Green Residence. Holders of such a visa will be able to sponsor their close relatives and easily obtain a residence permit for themselves and family members. Three categories of foreign citizens will be able to obtain such a visa: freelancers / self-employed, qualified employees, investors and partners.
“The UAE has also introduced visas to explore labor market opportunities and another type to explore investment and business opportunities without the need for confirmation from a sponsor or host,” writes Gulf News.
According to the publication, the new visa policy expands the opportunities for UAE Golden Visa holders and allows job seekers to enter the country with flexible visit periods and a simple extension of up to one year without the requirement of a sponsor or employer.
