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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) has begun requiring health insurance policy numbers or other proof of insurance with all visa applications.
What does the change mean? Visa applicants should be prepared to provide proof of medical insurance in order to have visa applications processed. Previously, DIFC only required proof of insurance for renewal applications.
Background: In Dubai, all individuals, including foreign employees, must be covered by health insurance from a Dubai Health Authority-approved provider.
This requirement has immigration as well as legal consequences, and immigration authorities have increasingly begun to require proof of health insurance in the visa application process. The Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA), for example, recently began requiring proof of health insurance with visa applications, in particular for visa renewals. DIFC is now requiring proof of insurance for all visa applications after initially only requiring it for visa renewals, and the Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) also requires proof of insurance for all visa applications. In most cases, authorities will require a health insurance policy number during the application phase. Additional health insurance card details can then be provided after the visa is issued.
The policy of requiring proof of health insurance is expected to be rolled out in all of Dubai’s freezones in the coming months.
BAL Analysis: DIFC companies should take note of the change and make sure all employees have proof of health insurance when submitting visa applications. Applicants who fail to do so risk having their applications rejected. Those with questions about whether a particular freezone or authority requires proof of insurance in the visa application process should contact BAL.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
What is the change? The General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs in Abu Dhabi has launched an “E-Channels” online application option for visas and visa renewals.
What does the change mean? Those applying in-country for visas and visa renewals will now be able to initiate applications via the E-Channels website or at authorized typing centers. Most applicants will be able to complete the visa process without having to visit a GDRFA office, and will only have to make a visit to pick up their visa stamp. Application requirements have not changed, but the switch to an online process may mean that authorities will more strictly enforce documentation requirements.
Background: Abu Dhabi’s online option for visit visas and residence visas is designed to make for an easier application process. However, it is also likely to make it all the more important that applicants submit proper documentation. This includes fully attested documents, e.g., marriage and birth certificates, if required; legal translations of any documents that are in a language other than Arabic; and high-resolution, digital photos with a white background. All documents should be submitted online when applications are initiated. It is difficult, if not impossible, to change documents once an application has been initiated.
BAL Analysis: Abu Dhabi’s E-Channels system should make the process of applying for visit visas and residence visas easier for most applicants. It is important to have all of the necessary documents prepared at the time of the application. Those with case-specific questions should contact BAL.
What is the change? The United Arab Emirates has imposed new travel restrictions on holders of Qatari Residence Visas, as the diplomatic crisis between Qatar and its Persian Gulf neighbors continues.
What does the change mean? Qatari Residence Visas can no longer be used to obtain visas on arrival in the UAE. Qatari Residence Visa holders will be required to obtain a visit visa before traveling to the UAE, though an exception applies for nationals who are eligible to obtain visas on arrival. Travel to the UAE remains off limits for Qatari nationals, with exceptions for those who are married to UAE nationals (Emiratis) or have first-blood relatives (i.e., parents, siblings or children) in the UAE. Special approval for such travelers will be granted at the airport.
Background: More than a dozen countries cut ties with Qatar last month, claiming that Qatar sponsors terrorism and is a threat to destabilize the region. There are no direct flights between Qatar and the UAE, meaning people have to travel through another country, usually Kuwait or Oman, both of which have stayed neutral. The countries that either cut or downgraded diplomatic ties with Qatar last month include Bahrain, Comoros, Djibouti, Egypt, Jordan, Libya, Maldives, Mauritania, Mauritius, Niger, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, the United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
BAL Analysis: The Qatari diplomatic crisis continues to evolve, but expatriates planning travel to the UAE should take note of the change. Many of the countries that cut or downgraded ties have not imposed travel restrictions, but others have. Those planning travel to or from the countries involved in the crisis may wish to check with their airline or BAL ahead of time. BAL is following developments and will alert clients to additional changes.
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation recently announced that it has issued 141,500 fines to 52,765 private businesses for immigration-related infractions. The ministry urged those who have accumulated fines to pay them as soon as possible, noting that authorities have capped fines at 2,000 dirham (about US$545) per worker.
Saif Al-Suwaidi, the ministry’s undersecretary of human resources, said that 15 percent of private companies in the ministry’s database had been hit with fines. The fines were mostly for incomplete work-permit registration or late work-permit renewal. Al-Suwaidi said the fact that only 15 percent of companies were fined “confirms the majority’s abidance to set laws and regulations.”
Authorities urged companies that have received fines to pay them as soon as possible, noting that those with outstanding fines will not be able to obtain additional work permits.
The ministry recently lowered fines for a number of violations. The new fines are as follows:
BAL Analysis: While the ministry did not specify the period of time over which the fines were issued, they show how serious UAE authorities are about enforcing work-permit rules. Anyone with questions on remaining in compliance should contact BAL.
What is the change? Dubai is launching Amer Business Centers that will centralize visa and residency services and replace typing center by Nov. 1.
What does the change mean? The centers will provide services for foreign residents, including visa and residency applications, residency renewals, visa cancellations and related applications.
Background: The Amer Business Centers are being introduced in response to business requests. The centers will be staffed by personnel from the Directorate and will replace some 600 typing centers by November.
BAL Analysis: The centers are expected to reduce queues and wait times and improve the application process. The centers are currently open from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; after Ramadan, normal business hours will be 8 a.m. to 8 p.m..
What is the change? The Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA) has begun requiring copies of medical insurance cards with visa applications, and in particular visa renewals.
What does the change mean? UAE residents submitting visa applications with DCCA should be prepared to provide copies of medical insurance cards in order to have visa applications processed.
Background: In Dubai, all individuals, including foreign employees, must be covered by health insurance from a Dubai Health Authority-approved provider. This requirement has immigration as well as legal consequences, as authorities in Dubai have begun imposing fines for residents who lack insurance onto visa renewal or cancellation fees. DCCA authorities recently began turning visa applicants away if they did not provide a copy of their health insurance card with their application. Dependents of UAE residents must be provided health insurance as well, but, so far, evidence of dependent health insurance has not been checked in the visa process. This is expected to change by December.
BAL Analysis: Companies should take note of the change and make sure all employees have insurance and provide a copy of their health insurance card when submitting visa applications. Those who fail to do so risk having their applications rejected.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in the United Arab Emirates. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
What is the change? The United Arab Emirates has implemented an agreement that allows Indian nationals holding U.S. green cards or visas to enter the UAE without first obtaining an entry visa.
What does the change mean? Effective immediately, Indian nationals holding U.S. green cards or visas that are valid for at least six months can travel to the UAE for business or tourism and obtain a visa on arrival that is good for up to 14 days.
Background: As BAL reported last month, the UAE and India agreed to the visa-on-arrival agreement in late March. The agreement took effect May 1, allowing eligible Indian nationals to remain in the UAE for up to 14 days on a visa on arrival. Those who intend to stay longer than 14 days may obtain an extension for a charge.
BAL Analysis: The change simplifies the visa process for eligible Indian nationals traveling for business or as tourists to the UAE.
What is the change? United Arab Emirates authorities have announced that Indian nationals holding U.S. green cards or visas that are valid for at least six months will soon be permitted to enter the UAE without first obtaining a UAE entry visa.
What does the change mean? Once the program is implemented, eligible Indian nationals will be able to travel to the UAE for business or tourism purposes and obtain a visa on arrival that is good for up to 14 days and renewable once in country.
Background: Under the new program, eligible Indian nationals will be allowed to remain in the UAE for up to 14 days on a visa on arrival. Those who intend to stay longer than 14 days may obtain an extension for a charge.
BAL Analysis: The change will simplify the visa process for eligible Indian nationals traveling for business or as tourists to the UAE. Because the agreement has not been fully implemented, however, eligible Indian nationals should check with BAL before traveling to the UAE in anticipation of receiving a visa on arrival.
Middle East Expert Hadi Allawi Leads Team of Immigration Professionals
March 14, 2017 – Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) announced today it has officially opened its new regional head office in Dubai. BAL previously announced that Hadi Allawi had been hired as Managing Director, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from the firm’s London office. Allawi now manages a UAE-based team of experienced professionals dedicated to immigration matters in the MENA region, and is responsible for the strategic positioning and growth of the firm in the region.
Allawi is a recognized MENA expert specializing in business strategy, intelligence and geopolitical risk analysis across multiple industries. Prior to joining BAL, Allawi led the MENA desk of a London-based specialist advisory firm assisting major multinational companies with operations in the region.
“BAL recognizes the importance of the Middle East to our clients, and it is an exciting time to be able to partner with them in a more direct manner,” said BAL managing partner Jeremy Fudge. “Dubai is the starting point for BAL’s presence in the region and we expect to expand our footprint in line with demand.”
“Clients always expect the highest level of service when working with BAL,” said Allawi. “I am delighted to open BAL’s first office in the Middle East. As immigration challenges increase in the region, BAL will be optimally positioned to advise on mobility strategies and immigration issues.”
“We recognize that the Middle East poses unique challenges best addressed by on-site experts. Hadi and his team understand the nuances of the region’s immigration processes and will hone efficiencies and compliance,” said Emily King, Managing Director, Europe.
Media Contact: Emily Albrecht Senior Director — Marketing & Communications ealbrecht@bal.com 469-559-0174
What is the change? The United Arab Emirates has opened an immigration center dedicated to receiving and processing cases that require special approval, including female applicants sponsoring their spouse or children, individuals sponsoring their parents, and humanitarian cases.
What does the change mean? Cases requiring special approval must be submitted at the Al Awir Immigration Centre in Dubai.
Next steps: Applications to the Al Awir center are submitted at typing centers only; free zone portals do not contain an option to sponsor a husband or parent. Applicants may apply at any immigration office typing center and await an interview date at Al Awir, or they may apply at the Al Awir typing center (although it is known to be crowded). Affected individuals should work with their B·A·L legal team to prepare for their appointment with appropriate documents and other filing requirements.
Background: The Al Awir Immigration Centre opened two months ago to handle cases requiring special approval. Sponsors in such cases will be asked for the following documents:
In addition, for a parent’s visa, an affidavit of the relationship from the local embassy must be obtained and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For a parent’s visa for an Arab nationality, a copy of a family book is required.
Upon approval of the application, a security deposit of 5,040 dirhams must be paid to the government Immigration Office.
B·A·L Analysis: The new location conducts a layer of screening to these cases that adds two weeks to normal processing times. Affected sponsors should be aware that Al Awir is located in an isolated area, and because of the limited size of the center they must attend their appointment without a representative.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.