UAE Introduces Four New Visit Visas and Overhauls Visa Regulations

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced four new visit visas while also updating the terms, conditions, and validity of several existing visas. The move, announced by the Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security Authority (ICP), aims to attract global talent, specialists, and business professionals to the UAE, with a particular focus on enhancing the artificial intelligence, technology, tourism, and entertainment sectors.

Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director-General of ICP, explained that the changes were made after analysing both current and future local and international circumstances.

The revamped rules are designed to simplify residency, work, and business operations in the UAE, ultimately improving quality of life, boosting commerce, and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.

Four New Visit Visas

Updates to Existing Visas

• Truck Driver Visa: Valid for single or multiple entries for drivers associated with freight transport companies. Sponsors must provide financial guarantees, specified fees, and health insurance.
• Relative & Friend Visa: For close relatives, the sponsor must earn at least AED 4,000/month. For distant relatives, AED 8,000/month, and for friends, AED 15,000/month.
• Business Setup Visa: Applicants must prove financial capability based on the type of proposed business or demonstrate similar business experience abroad.

Special and Humanitarian Cases

• Humanitarian Visa: Granted for one year for individuals from countries affected by war, natural disasters, or political instability. The Director-General may allow residency without a sponsor or renew it at discretion. Leaving the UAE voids the visa.
• Residence for Widowed or Divorced Foreign Women: Foreign women whose husbands have passed away or who are divorced can now reside without a sponsor. Conditions include:
  • If the husband was a UAE citizen, childless wives may apply within six months of death or divorce.
  • For foreign husbands, wives taking responsibility for children may apply within six months of the husband’s death or divorce, provided they remain in the UAE and the husband was the sponsor at the time of death or divorce.
  • Mothers acting as sponsors for their children must be their legal guardians.

All these categories require financial capability and suitable accommodation, and visa durations may be extended under valid circumstances.

Source: Gulf News