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IMPACT – HIGH
Effective March 26, all Dubai government departments are closed to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Key Points:
Additional information: The other Emirates are implementing similar measures. The Dubai government stated that it expects all government departments to have a remote work program in place by March 29 and visa processing clarification will follow. Urgent visa stamping for approved residence permits is available at the immigration department of the Dubai International Airport. The government may implement a series of temporary measures, including approving visas in-principle, with medical exams, biometrics and visa stamping to follow at a later date.
Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate that closures and processing suspension will significantly disrupt business activity and employee mobility. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
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 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.
Dubai immigration authorities have temporarily suspended endorsement of UAE residence visas on passports for in-country visa applications. Applications for in-country visa procedures will continue to be accepted and processed until the visa approval stage. These arrangements will apply until further notice.
Visas/permits/applications affected:
Background: To curb the proliferation of COVID-19, the UAE has put into place a series of restrictive measures, including suspending the issuance of work permits, tourist visas and visas on arrival are suspended until further notice.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs – Dubai has announced that in-country visa applications will continue to be processed; however, once the visa is approved, it will not be stamped in the passport until further notice.
Authorities have further announced that if the employee intends to leave the UAE or a physical visa is urgently needed for other purposes, an exception can be made by approaching immigration at Dubai International Airport (DXB).
Analysis & Comments: Companies should expect delays with the employees’ visa endorsements after the suspension is lifted. As yet, there is no announcement by the authorities as to whether new Emirates IDs will also no longer be issued. Deloitte are closely monitoring the situation and will keep you updated on any changes.
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.
The government has implemented further travel restrictions and other measures to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
Additional information: Although the entry ban is initially in force for two weeks, employers and foreign national employees should anticipate that it may be extended. Those affected by the entry ban should contact their employer in the UAE, as well as the relevant UAE diplomatic mission. Families of those affected by the entry ban are urged to contact the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship Operation@ica.gov.ae.
Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate that the entry ban and suspension of visa/permit issuance will significantly disrupt business activity and employee mobility. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.
The United Arab Emirates has suspended entry to UAE visa holders who are not in the country in effort to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus. The restriction include those with valid UAE work/residence visas. The change is effective from today and the decision is renewable every two weeks.
Additional information: The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has urged family of people affected by the entry suspension to contact the ICA by phone or email at Operation@ica.gov.ae in order to help their family member return to the UAE.
Analysis & Comments: The new visa restriction could impact a large number of UAE visa holders not currently in the country. These individuals are encouraged to follow the steps above and to contact Deloitte to facilitate their return to the UAE when possible.
IMPACT – MEDIUM What is the change? The United Arab Emirates banned travel to Iran and Thailand for UAE nationals in an effort to stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus.
What does the change mean? UAE nationals cannot travel from the UAE to Iran or Thailand at this time. The UAE government has asked UAE nationals in Iran or Thailand to contact UAE embassies in those countries or register for the UAE government’s ‘Tawajudi’ service. This service is operated by the UAE for crisis and emergency communications with UAE nationals.
Background: According to the World Health Organization, Iran has the largest number of COVID-19 cases among Middle Eastern countries, and Thailand has the largest number of cases in Southeast Asia. Analysis & Comments: Direct flights from the UAE to Iran have been suspended. And while flights from UAE to Thailand continue, those planning travel from the UAE to Iran or Thailand may want to reconsider their plans at this point. The response to the COVID-19 virus continues to evolve, and Deloitte will provide updates as information becomes available.
IMPACT – LOW
What is the change? The UAE has approved a new five-year multiple-entry tourist visa.
What does the change mean? All visitors to the UAE can now obtain a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa.
Background: The government introduced the visa with the aim of promoting the UAE as an important global tourism destination.
Analysis & Comments: The government has stated that the requirements for obtaining tourist visas will remain the same. Travelers are reminded that neither business nor work activities are permitted on the new visas.
IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? Authorities have lifted a ban on UAE nationals traveling to Lebanon.
Background: The travel ban to Lebanon was implemented in Feb. 2016 and blocked tourist, business and work travel from the UAE to Lebanon. The decision to remove the ban follows a visit by Lebanese Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri to Abu Dhabi.
Analysis & Comments: The removal of the travel ban is good news for tourists and companies coordinating business travel from the UAE to Lebanon and represents an easing of political tensions between the two countries.
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 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. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
What is the change? The UAE Cabinet has adopted 10 resolutions to support Emiratisation and employment of 20,000 Emirati workers over the next three years.
What does the change mean? The resolutions provide for hiring and training Emiratis in key sectors, among other changes. The plan has been rolled out for the mainland, and there is an expectation that Emiratisation will also eventually apply to free zones.
Background: The goal of the resolutions is to open up 20,000 jobs in the next three years to Emiratis in key sectors including telecommunications, civil aviation, banking and real estate development.
Among the resolutions passed by the Cabinet, the government will set up a 300-million-dirham fund to train Emirati workers, subsidize 6-12 month training programs for graduates in government and private sector jobs, introduce specialized diplomas in technology, provide incentives for employers to give job opportunities to Emiratis, and amend the pension system to encourage Emiratis to gain skills in the private sector. An annual Emiratisation index will track progress across economic sectors.
Analysis & Comments: The UAE is stepping up Emiratisation efforts with the new resolutions. Employers should anticipate the push to train and hire local workers. Companies that rely heavily on expatriate labor will be asked to help support skills programs for Emiratis.
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 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. © 2019. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.
What is the change? The United Arab Emirates has made it easier to sponsor dependent sons for visas past their 18th birthday.
What does the change mean? UAE residents can now obtain one-year residence visas for 18-year old dependent sons. The visas are renewable once for an additional year. Unmarried daughters remain eligible for dependent status no matter their age.
Background: The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship announced the change this past summer. Up until that point, dependents sons had to apply for their own work visas to stay in the country once they turn 18. UAE residents also had the option of applying for a humanitarian appeal to sponsor dependent sons past the age of 18 with additional supporting documents. Under the new process, renewals for 18-year-old sons will be granted almost immediately with an attested degree certificate or letter from the university, and applicants will no longer be required to pay a security deposit of AED5,000, as was previously mandatory for those applying for a humanitarian appeal.
Analysis & Comments: The change is welcome news because it will be easier for dependent sons of UAE residents to remain in the country after they turn 18. Dependent sons applying for the new visa will, however, need to obtain separate authorization to work in the UAE. Sponsors should note that while dependent visas for sons and daughters allow dependents to reside in the UAE, separate work authorization may be required for dependent sons or daughters who work in the UAE.
What is the change? The United Arab Emirates has begun providing work authorization to male dependents of UAE residents.
What does the change mean? Men who are sponsored for residence by their wife, a parent or a child can now apply for work permits on the basis of their dependent status. This will help employers meet some of their workforce needs without recruiting outside of the country.
Background: Up until now, only female dependents meeting the age requirements and sponsored by their husbands or fathers were eligible to obtain work authorization as dependents. Work permits for male dependents are valid for two years, can be renewed for an additional two years, and are issued separately from the dependent’s residence permit. The fee for these work permits is AED 300.
Analysis & Comments: The change is good news for companies in the UAE. Companies will save on the cost of recruiting foreign workers and benefit from hiring foreign dependents as it is more costly to take on staff on work visas than to employ staff with work permits in the UAE.