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IMPACT – MEDIUM
The United Arab Emirates has extended its travel ban for passenger flights from India until at least July 6.
Key Points:
BAL Analysis: Passenger flights from India have been suspended since April 24. Those with urgent travel needs should work closely with their immigration provider to discuss the best available options. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.
Copyright © 2021 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.
Abu Dhabi recently updated its green countries list to include six additional countries, amended entry policies and announced it would end its mandatory quarantine policy for all international arrivals on July 1.
Additional Information: Passenger flights from India will remain suspended until at least July 6. Travelers who have transited through India within 14 days of intended arrival into the UAE will not be permitted entry.
Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
The United Arab Emirates has extended its travel restrictions for passenger flights from India until June 14. In addition, restrictions remain in place on travel from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka indefinitely. Travel also remains restricted from Nigeria and South Africa.
Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka
Nigeria and South Africa
Analysis & Comments: The restrictions make travel more difficult for anyone who has been in any of the countries listed above. Those with urgent travel needs should work closely with their immigration provider to discuss the best available options. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
The UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA-UAE) recently announced a new 6-month visa option for those finalizing Golden Visa residency procedures.
Analysis & Comments: This 6-month visa may significantly benefit individuals who intend to travel frequently to the UAE throughout Golden Visa application process. Those interested in applying for a Golden Visa or the new 6-month visa are encouraged to work closely with Deloitte.
Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
The Cabinet of the United Arab Emirates recently approved plans for remote visas and a five-year tourist visa.
Analysis & Comments: The remote work visas will present an opportunity for employers and employees, particularly with the growth in the non-traditional workforce. Remote work programs carry a number of compliance risks, however, and applicants are encouraged to consult with Deloitte to assess whether the remote work visa is a good option for them.
The five-year tourist visas, meanwhile, will make travel to the UAE easier for frequent visitors. Travelers are reminded, however, that work activities are not permitted on tourist visas.
Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
IMPACT – HIGH
The United Arab Emirates recently announced that it would invite some foreign nationals to apply for citizenship.
The change follows efforts in recent years to make long-term residency available to top foreign talent, as the UAE moves to solidify its reputation as a destination for foreign business and investment. For now, the citizenship program is only open to foreign nationals who are nominated by the Federal Cabinet, the Ruler’s Office or an Executive Council within an Emirate.
Among those who may be eligible:
In many cases, applicants will have to show that they have earned international recognition or awards for their work. Some applications will have to be supported by letters of recommendation. More information on eligibility requirements are available here. Requirements are subject to change and citizenship decisions will be made at the discretion of the UAE government.
Those whom the UAE grants citizenship to will be able to maintain their current nationality and become dual citizens. The UAE will permit successful citizenship applicants to sponsor their immediate family members for citizenship as well.
Analysis & Comments: The change is a significant development for the UAE, which, up until now, had significant restrictions on foreign nationals becoming citizens, including the need to renounce any existing nationalities and passports; under these reforms, second nationalities are permitted. The program will offer a limited number of foreign nationals to obtain UAE citizenship. For now, the program is only open to those whom UAE governmental bodies sponsor. Employers with employees who may be eligible for citizenship may wish to consult with Deloitte.
Officials in Dubai have announced that General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) approval is no longer required for Dubai visa holders returning to Dubai.
Analysis & Comments: The removal of the pre-travel approval requirement will make it easier for Dubai visa holders abroad to return to Dubai. The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.
The United Arab Emirates government recently announced that foreign students in the UAE will be permitted to sponsor their family members so they can obtain residency visas to live in the UAE. Key Points:
Analysis & Comments: The change is welcome news that could help draw students to the UAE because they will soon be able to bring their family members. Additional information on an implementation date, the types of family members who will be covered and on the income requirements is expected soon.
United Arab Emirates residents with valid residence visas who have remained out of the country for more than 180 days have been given until March 31 to return to the UAE.
Additional information: Travelers entering the UAE are subject to COVID-19 testing and health protocols, details about them are available here.
Analysis & Comments: Employers may wish to consult with Deloitte to discuss their plans if they intend to have employees return. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.
The United Arab Emirates has announced that it will expand its Golden Visa program.
Additional Information: The UAE is expected to add additional categories to the Golden Visa program soon.
Analysis & Comments: The expansion of the Golden Visa program will provide work and residence opportunities for a number of advanced degree holders, high-skilled professionals and top-performing students. At this stage, the UAE authorities are yet to release the details required to assess whether the Golden visa will provide a beneficial alternative work permit option for employers in the UAE. Deloitte will provide a further update and analysis when this becomes available.