Search
Contact
Login
Share this article
IMPACT – MEDIUM
The Emirati government has announced that it plans to launch a new electronic visa platform in the beginning of October.
Key Points:
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.
Copyright © 2022 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.
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.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
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.
The Emirati government has announced that it will begin classifying private companies into three tiers based on their compliance with directives.
Additional Information: More information regarding the UAE’s new classification system is available here.
BAL Analysis: Employers should check their Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) profile on June 1 to determine their tier level.
The Emirati government has announced that it will fine employers who do not meet the new Emiratization requirements by 2023.
Additional Information: The UAE government has announced the Emiratization program to increase the number of Emirati nationals employed in the private sector by 10% in the next five years. More information regarding the UAE’s Emiratization requirement is available here.
BAL Analysis: Employers should plan ahead to ensure they meet the new employment requirements to avoid fines.
Copyright © 2022 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.
The Emirati government has launched a new 60-day job exploration visa.
Additional Information: More information on how the MoHRE classifies skill level is available here.
BAL Analysis: The Emirati government has launched the new visa with intent to attract more young talent and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities available in the UAE.
The Emirati government will allow certain Ukrainian nationals to apply for a one-year residency visa.
Additional Information: Ukrainian nationals continue to have visa-free entry upon arrival in the UAE.
BAL Analysis: The UAE’s decision to offer one-year residence permits to eligible Ukrainian nationals is welcome news as authorities had previously announced they would not offer such protections. Ukrainian nationals who receive the one-year residency permit will be able to live and work in the UAE.
The Emirati government has announced that it will suspend the issuance of residency visa stamps to foreign nationals.
Additional Information: Residence and identity card applications will be joined together 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 UAE’s suspension of issuing residency visa stamps is available here.
BAL Analysis: The UAE’s decision to no longer issue residency visa stamps is intended to streamline the residency renewal process and mitigate unnecessary delays in the application process.