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New Visa Rules in UAE 2024, Everything You Need to Know!!!!

Everything you need to know regarding the new visa rules in UAE, 2024. The UAE has always been a centre of attraction for the business class, young entrepreneurs, students, and tourists. With the new amendments and changing laws of the land, it has become much easier for people who want to set up their business in the UAE or even just be there for tourism or visiting friends and family. The UAE has reformed its visa system in 2023. The changes now include introducing new visa types, expanding existing categories, and extending valid visas. All of this aims to develop the UAE’s international trade and tourism interests.

One of the most important new changes is the introduction of 10 visa entries that do not require a sponsor, host, or guarantor. This visa is a temporary visa and can be used for single or multiple entries. At the same time, the updated validity period is 60 days from the publication date. This move is suitable for tourists and foreigners who want to study in the UAE.

What are the Key Changes in the new visa rules in UAE?

There have been changes in the three categories of visas as per the new visa rules in the UAE.

1. Three categories: Entry visa, Green visa, and Golden visa.
2. The UAE has announced that entry visas do not necessitate a host or Sponsor for visitors. Entry visas or Tourist Visas will now be accessible for single or multiple entries with a validity of up to 60 days/
3. The Green Visa is a renewable residence visa that allows immigrants to sponsor themselves for five years. It replaces the previous residence visa that was valid only for two years.
4. The Golden visa offers holders long-term renewable abode visas valid for 10 years. Golden visa availability includes investors, entrepreneurs, individuals in the field of research, medical professionals within the scientific and knowledge fields, and outstanding students and graduates.
5. Accomplished experts can get long-term citizenship if they have a minimum monthly salary requirement of AED (United Arab Emirates Dirham) 30,000 a month. Financiers can also get a visa when purchasing a property worth at least AED two million.

Visa types:

Different types of Visas available in the UAE, which can be availed by tourists, students, entrepreneurs, residents, etc., are as follows:

1. A single-entry tourist visa, valid for 30 days-60 days
2. A multiple-entry tourist visa, valid for 30 days-60 days
3. A multiple-entry long-term tourist visa, valid up  to five years
4. A transit visa, one for 48 hours and another for 96 hours
5. Visa on arrival, either for 30 days or 90 days, contingent on nationality
6. Visa on arrival for Indians who have a visit visa issued by the USA, a green card issued by the USA, or a residence visa issued by the UK or the EU.
7. E-Visa for residents of GCC countries (GCC citizens are eligible for visa-free entry).

Visa requirements and application

Each type of visa has unique requirements for the documents you must provide. Some frequently requested documents include:

1. A recent passport photograph
2. A passport or travel document valid for no less than 6 months
3. Valid health insurance
4. A national identity card in the case of certain nationalities
5. A travel ticket showing an onward journey, and in the case of transit visas, this should be within 96 hours of arriving in Dubai
6. For GCC residents, a copy of your residence permit
7. For visa on arrival for Indian nationals, a permanent residence card (green card) issued by the USA or a residence visa issued by the UK or European Union countries.
8. Once you have all your documents ready, you can apply directly via the GDRFA website or through an authorized agency such as your travel agent or tour operator, approved airlines or booked hotel. While processing time varies based on the visa, it takes approximately 48 hours to be issued.

Visit Visa

All visit visas will allow tourists to enter and stay in the UAE for 60 days, up from the previous 30 days. A five-year multi-entry tourist visa will not require a sponsor. According to the Khaleej Times, it allows the visitor to stay in the country for up to 90 continuous days. The stay can be extended, provided it does not exceed 180 days in one year. The extension fee is set at USD 163.

Moreover, a job probe visa will also not require a sponsor or host. The job exploration visa will be granted to those who fall under the defined skill levels as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

Visit Visa Extension:

The fee varies, subject to the length of the extension. For example, a 30-day extension costs AED 500. You can pay the fee online or at a UAE visa application centre.

Visit Visa Overstay:

The ICP has standardized the overstaying fines in the UAE. According to the new visa rules in UAE, visit, tourist and residence visa overstaying fees have been standardized at AED 50 per day. Those overstaying on a residency visa will have to pay AED 50 each day (AED 50 per day instead of AED 25).

Visit Visa Overstay Fine:

Overstay fine as per the new visa rules in UAE: Step-by-step process

1. First, visit the GDRFA or ICP website to verify the fine imposition per the UAE’s new visa rules.
2. Select the appropriate file type on the GDRFA website, provide appropriate/necessary details and decode the verification code to view the details. Alternatively, select “Public Services” on the ICP website, open the “Fine – Pay Fee – Violation of entry or stay – Pay New Fee” service, enter the required details and click the “Check” button to see your past times.
3. To check the imposed fine under the new visa rules in UAE, ICA can help you pay the fine online. Visit the ICA website, use the virtual assistant, select “Request Service”, and then “Pay Fine”, or enter the service number directly. Enter your ID number and date of birth in MM/DD/YYYY format. Therefore, your criminal records, fines, and payment links (if any) will be displayed. After reviewing the information, click “Next” and then “Pay” to complete the transaction. Therefore, once the payment is completed, you will receive a notification from ICA with your transaction number.

Mandatory Documents:

• Sponsor’s original Emirates ID and passport visa copy
• Applicant’s passport and visa in the UAE
• Visa copy (file number) containing fines
• Newly approved e-visa (if applying for a change of status)
• Cancellation paper (for those wishing to exit UAE)
• Letter of Exemption or NOC/Petition letter (in Arabic) requesting fine reduction
• UID number from GDRFA for newborn (if applicable)

Supporting Documents:

For example, judicial or Legal Causes in the check overstay fine under new visa rules in UAE:

• Petition letter from the Applicant’s sponsor company
• Letter from the court or police addressing relevant authorities (if the passport is retained/confiscated)

Health Causes to Check Overstay Fine in UAE:

• Petition letter from Company/Sponsor/Applicant
• Arabic medical report listing entry and exit dates from the hospital, issued by the Health Authority or Health Ministry

Personal sponsorship (Family):

• Petition letter from Sponsor
• Sponsor’s passport and visa copy
• Sponsor Salary certificate/Labour contract/Memorandum
• Any supporting documents for the overstaying cause

Company Sponsorship:

• Original Emirates ID of Sponsor/Partner/Company Public Relations Officer
• Petition letter from Company with Company stamp
• Passport and Visa copy of the Applicant
• Establishment card copy
• Trade license

Delay in Passport Issuing or Renewal:

• Petition letter from the Company/Sponsor/Applicant
• Letter from the Embassy/Consulate indicating the date of Visa renewal application or Passport issue application submission
• Visa, Establishment card, and Trade licenses for Companies
• Labour contract for Personal Sponsorship

Sponsor Death:

• Petition letter from the Sponsor/Applicant/Company with a company stamp
• Visa and Passport copy of the Applicant
• Sponsor’s Passport Copy (for Family Sponsorship)
• Establishment card and Trade licenses for Companies
• Death Certificate

Applying for a fine waiver demands attention to detail and compliance with the outlined requirements. Therefore, by submitting a comprehensive appeal of check overstay fines in the UAE, individuals can seek leniency from the UAE government, emphasizing the importance of a well-prepared application.

Visa-Free Entry

Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council countries do not need a visa or permit and do not need to be sponsored by a UAE national or resident. They are required to present a GCC passport or national ID card when entering the UAE.

New Visa Validity:

The simplified and extended new golden visa rule applies to all visa types and gives a 10-year validity to all the visas that the UAE provides according to new visa rules in UAE 2024, including scientists, researchers, skilled professionals, and exceptionally talented individuals. Real estate investors, start-up investors, exceptional students, humanitarian pioneers, doctors, nurses, and creative professionals aged 25 and above are also eligible for the Golden Visa, which allows for the sponsorship of parents for a 10-year residency.

Benefits of Golden Visa under the new visa rules in UAE:

1. Multiple entries allowed
2. Security
3. Extended to dependants
4. Budget-friendly pricing
5. Special services provided to the holders of such golden visas

Eligibility Criteria for the Golden Visa as per the new visa rules in UAE, 2024

The Applicant must fulfil at least one of the below-mentioned requirements:

Investors:

• Must deposit a fund of up to AED 10 million in an investment fund in the UAE.
• Be an owner of a company with at least AED 10 million as an investment or partner with a company with a share of up to AED 10 million.
• This can be extended to business associates, spouses and children, as well as one executive director and one advisor.

Conditions:

One would have to meet at least one of the following conditions to apply for a golden visa.

• The individual should completely own investments made. Investments made through the use of loans will not be acceptable, and adequate proof must be given.
• The Applicant must have retained the investment for at least 3 years.
• The Applicant must have insurance documents for themselves and their dependents.

The Green Residence visa offers a 5-year residence option for skilled professionals, freelancers, investors, and entrepreneurs, with the added benefit of a 6-month grace period after permit cancellation or expiration. This visa is available to those without a sponsor or employer and aims to encourage investment in the UAE.

As per the new visa rules in UAE, the visa for job explorers also does not require a sponsor or host. The Research Scholarship will be awarded to first-, second-, or third-degree holders as determined by the Ministry of Human Resources and the UAE and recent graduates from more than 500 of the world’s best universities.

Graduates from top 500 universities:

For young graduates of top 500 universities, getting a work visa can be a game changer. If the graduate qualifies, comes in the top three skill levels, and has at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, they can find work in the UAE without needing a sponsor or host. Entrepreneurs and investors can also obtain a work visa, which helps them explore business and investments without assistance. The new visa rule is part of the UAE’s strategy to boost its economy by attracting foreign investment. The UAE has three-month or 90-day visa renewals, which can be extended for an additional fee. This visa is different from a tourist visa (valid for 30 or 60 days) and a visitor visa (valid for 90 days). A new five-year passport was also announced, allowing entry at your own expense for up to 90 days, with the option to extend for an additional 90 days. Applicants for this visa must show a bank balance of US$4,000 within the last six months.

Friends and Family

The new visa rules in UAE make it even more important for families to support. Parents can now sponsor children, male children under 25 or children who are permanently disabled. On the other hand, unmarried women can also be sponsored, and there is no age limit for that. The UAE allows entry without a sponsor or host for relatives, friends or temporary jobs, provided you are prepared to work for a sponsor. Likewise, education permits can be obtained by those who take courses or internships in accredited schools or public/private institutions. A re-entry permit is now granted for residency visa holders who have stayed outside the UAE for more than six months, allowing them to return within 30 days of approval and maintain their residency status. Humanitarian cases have also not been disregarded, with residence permits now available for widowed female residents with children, parents or children of UAE citizens holding foreign passports, and spouses and children of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) state citizens with foreign passports.

UAE Visa fees amended as per the new visa rules in UAE:

Since there are different types of visas available in the public domain after UAE, one must apply for the one most beneficial to their particular needs.

Here is a table to help you categorize and pick one depending on the processing time and the fee required:

	Processing Time	Stay Period	Validity	Entry	Fees
48 Hours Transit Visa + Insurance (COVID)	Upto 5 days	2 days	30 days	Single	INR 2,499/-
96 Hours Transit Visa + Insurance (COVID)	Upto 5 days	4 days	30 days	Single	INR 3,999/-
14 Days Tourist Visa + Insurance (COVID)	Upto 5 days	14 days	58 days	Single	INR 6,999/-
14 Days Tourist Visa (Express) + Insurance (COVID)	Upto 48 hours	14 days	58 days	Single	INR 7,999/-
30 Days Tourist Visa + Insurance (COVID)	Upto 5 days	30 days	58 days	Single	INR 7,199/-
30 Days Tourist Visa (Express) + Insurance (COVID)	Upto 48 hours	30 days	58 days	Single	INR 8,199/-
30 Days Multiple Entry Tourist Visa + Insurance (COVID)	Upto 5 days	30 days	58 days	Multiple	INR 24,999/-
60 Days Tourist Visa + Insurance (COVID)	Upto 5 days	60 days	58 days	Single	INR 18,999/-
60 Days Job Seeker Visa + Insurance (COVID)	Upto 5 days	60 days	58 days	Single	INR 23,999/-

Visa service fees:

Visa charges are stated on each service card on the ICP and GDRFA-D websites.

Removal of grace period for UAE Visit Visas:

When the visa lapsed, citizens had an elegant period to take off the nation without any inconvenience of sanctions. Be that as it may, due to the unused new visa rules in UAE, those who overstay their visa will pay AED50. This is a new addition after the New Visa rules in UAE.

Unused Visit visa amendments as per the new Visa rules in UAE

Passengers with an unused travel visa to the UAE must cancel the visa and pay the fee within the specified period, such as 30 days for a 30-day visa. The fee to cancel an invalid or unused visa may vary and go up to AED 300. Alternatively, travellers can choose to extend their entry by two months for a fee of Dh200. It is important to cancel unused visas to prevent immigrants from rejecting new visa applications.

Difference between UAE’s tourist visa and UAE’s Visit Visa:

A tourist visa is for visitors who are coming to the UAE for tourism purposes, such as sightseeing, shopping, and visiting friends and family. Tourist visas are typically valid for 30 or 60 days and can be extended for an additional 30 days. This is the new addition after the new visa rules in UAE in 2024.

Visit Visa

A visit visa is for visitors who are coming to the UAE for a specific purpose, such as business, medical treatment, or education. Visit visas can be single-entry or multiple-entry and can be valid for up to 90 days.

For those who are residents of the following countries: East and West Europe, Turkey, Bulgaria, Poland, Ukraine, Albania, Russia, the Hellenic Republic, St Kitts-Navis, St Lucia, Mexico, Cuba, Bermuda, Belize, Guyana, French Guiana, Martinique, Antigua and Barbuda, St Vincent, Jamaica, Palao other non-defined American nationalities, Thailand, South Africa, Singapore, China, Malta and Cyprus can get their own tourist visas with 10 AED fee for delivery. A tourist visa allows a traveller to renew the visa only twice for a maximum stay of 60 days. If you want to renew it again, you have to go back to the country of origin and return after one month. However, if you exceed the last day of visa renewal, you will have to pay a fine of 100 AED. Renewing your visa before the due date is best to avoid paying penalty fees.

Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE) Program under the new visa rules in UAE

According to the new visa rules in UAE 2024 law, ILOE or Involuntary Unemployment Scheme is mandatory for all workers. Additionally, those who do not comply with these rules will be fined. The regulations are also managed by MOHRE and are designed for financial and legal protection. Mandatory registration is prescribed to all the employees and employers in the UAE and Consequences of Non-Compliance are also issued in case of failure of the same. Given the new visa rules in UAE, all workers will have to subscribe to the ILOE. Otherwise, they will receive fines. Thus, the fines for missing the subscription deadline will be AED 400, and the penalties for non-payment of premiums will be AED 200. Likewise, if it is not paid within 3 months, MOHRE may deduct the salary through the WPS or the Salary Protection System. Non-fulfilment to pay fines can negatively affect the employment prospects of a citizen in the UAE.

Exceptions to Mandatory Registration in ILOE

Although ILOE is mandatory as per the new visa rules in UAE, there are certain exceptions applied based on the following criteria:

• Investors or owners and employees of a company.
• Domestic help workers.
• Temporary contract workers.
• People under 18 years of age.
• Retired people who are entitled to a pension and have joined a new job.

UAE visa stamping

The UAE government has detached the stamping of residence visas in passports as per the new visa rules in UAE and supplanted it with the Emirates ID. Citizens of the UAE can now submit a single unified application to obtain both their Emirates ID and residency visa to ease the application process and shorten the application time. A smart service fee of AED 100 has also been added to the cost of visas and Emirates ID.

Five-year residency visa for children of Emirati women

After the new visa rules in UAE, the UAE government has extended the validity of residency visas for Emirati women and children of expatriates from three to five years. This decision aims to improve their rights, provide equal benefits in health and education, and ultimately improve their quality of life.

Three-year UAE work permit

The UAE Federal National Council (FNC) has agreed to extend the work permit period from two to three years to ease the financial burden. The Ministry of Human Resources Development license is now valid for two years. Working without a license is strictly prohibited.

20% work permit quota:

Businesses in the United Arab Emirates looking to secure new employment permits are encouraged by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to hire staff from various nationalities. The MOHRE system suggests that firms ensure that at least the first 20% of their new work permits are granted to individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds. This initiative aims to foster a workplace rich in cultural and demographic diversity without favouring any specific nationality. Companies that disregard this policy may be downgraded from Category 2 to Category 3 in their business classification, potentially resulting in higher expenses for obtaining work permits. These are the add-ons in the new visa rules in UAE, 2024

UAE temporary work or study Visa:

People who want to go to the UAE for a short-term work assignment need to provide a few documents, including a temporary work agreement, a letter from their employer explaining why they are visiting, and a health certificate. Similarly, those coming to the UAE for educational purposes like classes, training programs, or internships must be supported by UAE schools, research facilities, or universities, whether public or private. They should submit a letter with specifics about the training, internship, or studies and how long they will last.

Abu Dhabi Reduced Tourism Tax

Under the new visa rules in UAE, the government has reduced the tourism tax rate to four per cent (4%) in Abu Dhabi. Similarly, in the previous years, it was six per cent (6%), and this is in terms of restaurants and hotels. Additionally, tips will not be mandatory for any customer. However, you should know that food places charge 5% VAT.

Benefits and opportunities for investors because of the New Visa rules in UAE, 2024:

1. Ease of entry and extended stay
2. Family sponsorships are available in a wider range
3. Access to business opportunities
4. Start-up ecosystem
5. Investment Opportunity

Conclusion:

The contemporary changes to the new visa rules in UAE in 2024 speak to a dynamic revolution towards inclusivity, rearrangements, and digitalization. These overhauled directions illustrate the nation’s commitment to cultivating an inviting environment for visitors, exiles, and financial specialists alike. With a specific centre on drawing in worldwide ability, supporting family cohesion, and encouraging commerce wanders, the UAE proceeds to cement its position as a driving catholic nexus. As you explore these visa pathways, grasp the openings and comfort they show, whether you’re a career trailblazer, a youthful scholarly achiever, or a portion of the developing exile community. The UAE’s visa change could be a confirmation of its forward-thinking ethos, guaranteeing your encounters within the Emirates are as consistent as they are improving.

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