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IMPACT — MEDIUM
The Emirati government recently amended its visa policies for foreign nationals applying for a visit visa extension.
Key Points:
BAL Analysis: Emirati authorities are once again requiring foreign nationals to leave the country when applying for a visit visa extension. Authorities had temporarily lifted this policy during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing foreign nationals to stay in the UAE while they applied for an extension; however as the virus situation has improved, authorities determined the policy was no longer needed.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
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The Emirati government recently extended its grace period for some foreign nationals whose visas were canceled.
BAL Analysis: Emirati authorities updated visa overstay grace periods to coordinate with recent widespread immigration changes announced in early October.
The Emirati government recently updated its overstay fines for certain visa types.
Additional Information: UAE authorities announced they will extend the 30-day grace period to six months; however, they have yet to set an implementation date.
BAL Analysis: Emirati authorities updated visa overstay fines in coordination with recent widespread immigration changes announced in early October. Individuals should note that the UAE’s government portals have not been updated to reflect the most recent changes, but foreign nationals should take the new visa overstay fines into account.
The Emirati government recently opened its multiple-entry tourist visa application to foreign nationals traveling to the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Additional Information: As of Nov. 1, most foreign nationals must have a fan ID called a Hayya Card to enter Qatar. In order to obtain a Hayya Card, applicants need to show that they have tickets for a World Cup match between Nov. 20 and Dec. 18 and accommodations for their time in Qatar.
BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals who hold a Hayya Card for the 2022 FIFA World Cup can now apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa to enter the UAE. World Cup travelers are reminded that the Hayya Card will serve as a valid visa to enter Qatar from Nov. 1, 2022, to Jan. 1, 2023. Foreign nationals attending the World Cup are encouraged to apply for the card as soon as possible to avoid delays.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
The Emirati government has relaxed its COVID-19 health policies and entry requirements for Abu Dhabi.
Additional Information: Individuals are required to show the Al Hosn app to verify their COVID-19 status in order to enter public places. More information regarding the Green Pass system is available here.
BAL Analysis: Travelers are reminded that entry requirements may change with little or no notice. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide more information as it becomes available.
The Emirati government has announced that it plans to launch a new electronic visa platform in the beginning of October.
Additional Information: Emirati authorities have yet to say if the new electronic visa platform will include the option to apply for the Green visa.
BAL Analysis: The Emirati government plans to expand its electronic visa platform to streamline visa application processes and reduce processing times. More information will be provided as it becomes available.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
The Qatari government has eased COVID-19 entry requirements.
BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
The Emirati government will allow foreign nationals traveling for the 2022 World Cup to apply for multiple-entry tourist visas to enter the United Arab Emirates.
Additional Information: Beginning Nov. 1, foreign nationals must have a Hayya Card, or special identification card, to enter Qatar. In order to obtain a Hayya Card, applicants will need to show that they have tickets for a World Cup match between Nov. 20 and Dec. 18 and accommodations for their time in Qatar.
BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals who hold a Hayya Card and are traveling to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup will be able to apply for multiple-entry tourist visas to enter the UAE beginning Nov. 1. UAE authorities are expected to provide application instructions for the visa in the coming months.
The Emirati government has announced that it will introduce a new passport in September.
Additional Information: More information regarding the UAE’s decision to introduce a new passport is available here.
BAL Analysis: Emirati authorities introduced the new passport with intent to safeguard its citizens identities and reduce passport falsifications and fraudulent activities. Emirati nationals should apply for passport renewals within six months of its expiration date to avoid delays or complications.
The Emirati government has begun issuing electronic residence permits at the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC).
Additional Information: Authorities combined the residence and identity card applications under one application; foreign nationals will only need to submit one application for the issuance or renewal of residence and identity card services. More information regarding the cancelation of residency visa stamps is available here.
BAL Analysis: The DIFC will issue electronic residence permits within intent to streamline the residency renewal process and mitigate unnecessary delays in the application process.