Important Notifications

UAE Tourists can now extend their stay from within the country

Tourists in the UAE on a 30 or 60 days visit visa can extend their stay within the country by another 30 days. The decision by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) grants visitors an additional 30 days to explore and enjoy the country’s diverse offerings.
The UAE has implemented several changes in its visa procedures since October last year, marking one of the largest residency and entry permit reforms by the ICP (Immigration and Citizenship Program). Since then, several developments have taken place in the visit visa system of the country.
As per the ICA website, individuals holding a visit visa of 30 or 60 days will now be eligible for an additional 30-day stay, and the maximum extension period for a visit visa holder is 120 days.
Grace period for visit visas scrapped in UAE

The Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security confirmed that there is no grace period for visit visas issued anywhere in the UAE. There is no grace period anymore. From the date of entry, the stay duration is as per the type of visa (30 days or 60 days). All emirates except Dubai had done away with the 10-day grace period for visit visas. The grace period only applied to visas issued in Dubai. From May 15, authorities in Dubai have also removed the grace period. This means a visitor or tourist must exit the country before their visas expire. Failing this, overstay fines will apply.
UAE residents apply for re-entry permit if they stay overseas for over 6 months

Hundreds of UAE residents whose visas got cancelled after staying outside the country for more than six months could return to the Emirates, thanks to a service launched earlier this year. In January, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) introduced a re-entry permit for such residents.
Previously, residents had to apply for a visit visa to return to the country if they stayed outside the UAE for over six months. Residents of all emirates, except Dubai, can apply for the service on the ICP website. However, the process is slightly different for those who hold Dubai-issued visas.
“It is a very straightforward process,” said Abdul Gafoor, general manager of Al Mas Businessmen Service. “We can do the process on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website of Dubai (GDRFA) and select the necessary option. They must provide a letter stating why they stayed outside the country.”
UAE launches service to renew Emirates ID card, passport from outside the country

The UAE has recently launched a service allowing individuals to renew their Emirates ID card and passport from outside the United Arab Emirates. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security has introduced this long-awaited change.
However, there is a crucial condition that individuals must meet to avail of this service—the applicant must personally apply for the transaction through the authority's dedicated smart application, ensuring that they are the rightful owner of the documents.
UAE visa fine exemption for Sudan Nationals

‘Crisis & Disaster Countries Visa’ grants Sudanese citizens one-year temporary residency, enabling them to seek refuge, rebuild lives, access necessary support.
Sudanese nationals who are stranded and are overstaying in the UAE need not worry about fines. In a significant development aimed at assisting Sudanese nationals affected by the ongoing crisis, a new visa category has been introduced by the UAE. The ‘Crisis & Disaster Countries Visa’ grants Sudanese citizens a one-year temporary residence permit, enabling them to seek refuge, rebuild their lives, and access necessary support in times of distress.
Entry Permits Required to enter Makkah for Expats

The General Directorate of Passports began receiving applications for issuing Makkah entry permits for residents of domestic workers and non Saudi family members, workers residing in establishments based in Makkah, seasonal work visa holders and contractors with those establishments registered in the Ajeer system during the Hajj season 1444 AH.
This service comes to facilitate beneficiaries, shorten time and save effort, as the Absher platform provides individuals with permits for domestic workers and non Saudi family members, and through the service of entry permits to Makkah in the electronic Muqeem portal for all establishments.
Five-year Green Visa for Expats in UAE

The UAE has introduced the five-year Green Visa as part of a framework of a set of new rules to attract skilled workers and investors from all over the world.
The move aims to enhance flexibility of the job market and to attract exceptional workers in all fields as the new 5-year Green Residence Visa will be focused on outstanding talents, skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs.
The Green Visa offers long-term residency and more benefits to visa holders and their families than the standard residence visa.
Benefits include the ability to sponsor sons up to the age of 25 and unmarried daughters, regardless of age. The Green Visa is valid for five years and offers a wide range of visa options for professionals, freelancers, investors and partners. Additionally, provide 6 months grace period to complete the renewal process if the visa is expired.
Currently, Green Visa Work Permit is still not active in Tasheel Portal. MoHRE informed the service is being developed in partnership with the concerned authorities for a green visa holder to apply for a work permit.
The Qatar Ministry has introduced the Hayya Platform for all types of travel visa request

With just a click of a button, travelers from across the world can apply for a travel visa to Qatar. Anyone wishing to travel to the State of Qatar for leisure or business meetings can now apply for visa via the Hayya Portal.

Below are the type of visas offered:
Tourist Visa
Visa with ETA (Visa holders of the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and/or Schengen visa)
Visa for GCC Residents (Regardless of profession)

All need to do is simply visit www.hayya.qa and create a login account then simply select the type of visa and follow the steps to upload the required document for issuing the travel visa.
Contact our Global Visa team for more details at globalvisa@bvsglobal.com
Tourists from these 100 countries can enter Oman visa-free

Oman is offering tourists from over 100 countries to enter visa-free for up to 14 days. The move, aimed to boost the country's tourism industry, is designed to encourage more travelers to visit Oman. The country had announced visa-free entry for residents in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries in October last year, provided a resident's visa in the GCC is valid for a period of no less than three months. The circular released by Oman Airports also noted that the granting of visas to restricted nationalities will only be applied after following the required policies.
The Royal Oman Police (ROP) has published a list of countries whose nationals are eligible for this new policy.
Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bhutan, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Cuba, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Guatemala, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macau, North Macedonia, Malaysia, Maldives, Malta, Mauritania, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Portugal, Russia, Romania, San Marino, Serbia, Seychelles, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Suriname, Switzerland, Sweden, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vatican City, Venezuela, and Vietnam.
New freelance work licenses will be available in the UAE for "all skill levels."

The UAE is set to introduce a flexible work permit that will allow people of all skills to take up freelance jobs in the country.
This new permit which is expected to be rolled out by the third quarter of 2023 enables freelancers to work within the country or from any part of the world.
This will attract different people with varied skill levels with businesses attracting and retaining a more diverse workforce. This workforce is both beneficial for employer and the employees as with such flexible work permits, talents won't have to be tied to employers and some employers feel that this is more economical for them because they don’t have to take risks and decide if they want to continue with an employee or not.
This will enhance productivity in the labour market increasing people’s value in the workforce.
Saudi Arabia is now considering a shortened workweek following the UAE

Saudi Arabia is considering a three-day weekend after the UAE implemented it last year, according to local media reports. The Ministry of Human Resources and Social Development, in response to a tweet, said that it is studying the current work system through a periodic review to achieve increased job creation and raise the attractiveness of the market for local and international investments. It also explained that a draft of the work system had been put forward in a survey platform for public consultations.
Four nations are attempting to streamline procedures for holders of Indian passports.

Countries all over the world are working to make visa application process simpler for Indians.
Here are four countries that have announced schemes or intentions to make visa processes easier for Indians wishing to obtain entry permits:
United Kingdom
United States of America
Germany
Russia

These nations are introducing schemes to make it easier for Indian nationals to receive entry permits for both work and tourism purposes
Saudi Arabia relaxes visit visa rule for GCC residents, regardless of profession

The Ministry of Tourism in Saudi Arabia announced on Thursday that all GCC residents can now apply for a visit visa to the Kingdom - irrespective of their professions.
Previously, there was a list of accepted professions, available to check on the ministry website, that GCC residents had to fall under in order to be allowed to apply.
According to the website, visitors can apply for and receive a multiple-entry visa for up to 90 days. This permit would be valid for a year and would allow the holder to perform Umrah, except during the Haj season. They can also apply for a single-entry visa for up to 30 days, which is valid for three months from the date of issuance.
The cost of an eVisa is SAR300 plus full health insurance fees.
The following are the eligibility requirements:
1. The applicant must be at least 18 years old. For children under 18, the guardian must apply first.
2. The applicant's passport must be valid for at least six months, and the applicant must have a residency ID from a GCC country valid for no less than three months.
3. Visa holders can perform Umrah anytime except during the Haj season
4. The applicant must complete separate visa applications for each member of their direct family, and must accompany the member while entering the Kingdom.
For more information and apply for a visa go to www.visa.visitsaudi.com
Earlier, it was announced that the Kingdom would allow travellers to get a 96-hour entry permit to the country along with their flight tickets. The holder is allowed to perform Haj and Umrah with this transit visa.
UAE, other GCC countries first to get UK’s new ETA scheme

Visitors to the United Kingdom from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) states, and Jordan, will be the first to benefit from the UK’s new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) scheme.
The scheme will be expanded worldwide throughout 2024 and Qatari visitors will be the first to be able to apply for an ETA in October 2023, officials said.
By applying for an ETA in advance, visitors will benefit from smooth and efficient travel. The application process will be quick, light touch and entirely digital with most visitors applying via a mobile app and receiving a swift decision on their application.
The officials said that an ETA is not a visa, it does not permit entry into the UK, but authorises an individual to travel to the UK. On arrival, an individual will still need to obtain leave to enter, as per the process now, by seeing a Border Force Officer or using an eGate if eligible to do so.
Visitors from Saudi Arabia, Oman, Bahrain, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates will need an ETA to travel to the UK from 22 February 2024, but can apply in advance from February 1, 2024. Before February 22, 2024, they will continue to require an EVW to travel to the UK.
The new scheme will entirely replace the current Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) Scheme which requires visitors to the UK from GCC states to pay a higher cost for a single-use visit.
Egypt offers citizenship to foreign investors

Egypt announced on offering citizenship to foreign investors willing to spend at least $250,000 in the country.
According to state newspaper Al Ahram, a decision by Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli published in the official gazette, says the premier can now “grant Egyptian nationality” to applicants that meet one of four conditions.
Foreigners can either buy at least $300,000 of real estate in Egypt, invest $350,000 in the country, deposit $500,000 in an Egyptian bank account or “make a non-refundable $250,000 deposit in direct revenues in foreign currency into the state's public treasury”
Get birth certificate issued in UAE online in a day

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (Mohap) on Thursday announced the launch of the digital service, aiming to streamline procedures and provide customers with efficient services. With this new Mohap service, residents can simply file a request and pay a nominal fee of Dh60 each for both birth and death certificates and both Emiratis and expatriates can now apply without having to visit any government office or typing centre. The new process, available online, is quick and hassle-free, with documents being issued within one working day.
90-day visit visa now available for UAE residents' family and friends

UAE residents planning to invite their friends or family to the country can apply for a 90-day single or multiple-entry visit visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).
This service can be accessed by residents if they have a residence visa issued in the emirates of Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah or Umm Al Quwain. The host is required to pay a refundable deposit of Dh1,000 for this visa.
UAE visa reforms: 15 services updated for residents, visitors, including a 30-day extension

UAE's Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), Customs and Ports Security on Wednesday announced the implementation of a new package of updates to improve the services provided to citizens, residents, and visitors through its smart services system. One of the key updates is the introduction of a one-time 30-day visa extension service for 90-day visit visas.
- Allowing the extension of visit visa of a relative or friend for single or multiple entries for a period of 30, 60, and 90 days in the individual’s accounts.
- Visit Visa Validity Extension in UAE
  
  After receiving travel visa, tourists and visitors to the UAE are required to enter the nation within a certain window of time. A 30-day visit visa, for instance, must be used to enter the UAE within 30 days of being issued. According to the most recent procedure, travelers must pay a charge to cancel their visa if they are unable to enter the UAE during the allotted time. As an alternative, individuals can pay a fee of Dh200 to extend their stay in the nation by two months.
- Russia's Mutual Visa Recognition Agreement with Belarus
  
  Russia and Belarus have signed Mutual Recognition of Visas and Other Matters Related to the Entry of Foreign Citizens and Stateless Persons into the Territories of the Member States of the Treaty on the Establishment of the Union State that will enter into force on 1 February 2023.
  The Agreement aims to create a legal framework for regulating the procedure for foreign citizens and stateless persons to cross the Russian-Belarusian border.
  Foreign nationals holding any permission to stay authorization (visa, temporary resident permit, permanent residence permit) issued by the government of Russia will also be permitted to reside in Belarus so long as the permissions granted under the authorization type remain valid and foreign nationals permitted to enter Russia visa-free will also be permitted to enter Belarus.
- Schengen visa application likely to be digitized
  
  UAE residents wishing to travel to Schengen countries may not have to wait for appointments, stand in a queue or submit their passports to process their visas in the near future. Travelers to the 27 EU countries may soon be able to apply for their visa online and plans to digitalise the process are underway.
- UAE announces amended Emiratization deadlines for private companies
  
  The UAE Cabinet has issued a decision, amending some provisions of the country’s Emiratization scheme in the private sector. The annual target is now divided by 1 per cent in the first six months and the other 1 per cent in the second half of the year.
  Private companies are still mandated to raise Emiratization rates by 2 per cent every year to reach 10 per cent by 2026. It is the procedure of the law's implementation that has been revised, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (Mohre)
  
  The ministry clarified what has and has not changed under the latest update:
  - There will be no new or additional commitments from companies. However, fines for non-compliance will start to be applied in July 2023 (this collection will include the remaining contributions from 2022).

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