Tourists can apply for a new visa after the expiration of the first one without leaving the country
The main changes in visa policy that are being applied starting this Monday, October 21 will not only benefit expatriates, but will also boost the local economy, according to experts. Starting today, radical changes to visa regulations will be implemented in the United Arab Emirates, including the extension of entry permits for visitors and visas for women. Parent sponsored student residency visas will also be renewed. For foreigners in the UAE whose entry permits expire, they will get a 30-day extension without leaving the country at a cost of 600 dirhams. The extension can be granted only twice, regardless of the main duration of the original visa.
The tourism industry, as well as those specializing in talent and human resources , have welcomed the decisions as they allow foreigners, including tourists who have come to the UAE for business, to comfortably extend their stay in the country. With more visitors staying longer, local businesses can benefit from higher consumer spending. At the same time, visiting families of expatriate workers will be able to spend more time with loved ones in the country . “The United Arab Emirates is already a very attractive destination for tourism, business conventions and exhibitions. “The additional flexibility to allow visitors to stay longer will further enhance the UAE’s position as a destination of choice,” said Harish Bhatia , regional director for the Middle “It also gives the large expat workforce the opportunity to bring their family for longer periods.
“This is a strategic step in the positive direction to boost the economy and further strengthen its position as one of the most important cities and countries in the world,” added Bhatia. A large proportion of the UAE workforce are expatriates and many of the professionals who have moved to the UAE for employment have left their families in their home countries. along with the fees charged for these visa extensions, ” added Premjit Bangara , general travel manager for Sharaf Travel Services .
“The new visa policy will benefit divorced and widowed women to stay longer and regain their lives, as they will be granted a one-year visa extension. It will also benefit parents-sponsored students who can study in the United Arab Emirates, which in turn will benefit universities and other schools, ”he added. During the first six months of the year, at least 8.1 million tourists visited Dubai, compared to 8.06 million in the same period in 2017. The emirate’s main source of visitor traffic continued to be India, Saudi Arabia and the United Kingdom. Indian visitors during the same period accounted for more than one million, registering an increase of 3 percent over the previous year. What are the visa changes taking effect today?
The extension also covers the applicant’s children living in the United Arab Emirates. Those without children can use the extension. Fees: 100 dirhams for a one-year residence visa and another 100 for canceling the previous visa. Some caveats to keep in mind: The extension request is subject to conditions and regulations. For example, the applicant must have the residence visa sponsored by the deceased or ex-husband at the time of death or divorce. The residence visa must also be valid at the time of death or divorce, and the period of residence of the children cannot exceed that of the mother.
There must also be proof that the woman is divorced or widowed, and that she has a residence and financial capacity to support the family. For visitors and tourists: Both visitors and tourists can apply for a new visa after the expiration of the first one without the need to leave the country. Expats living in the Gulf Cooperation Council countries and those accompanying citizens of the Gulf countries do not qualify. Special entry permits and 96-hour entry visas are not included. Each extension will be for 30 days. The 30-day extension can be used only twice. Fees: 600 dirhams for renewal. A fine of 100 dirhams per day for violators that will take effect ten days after the expiration of the visa. For students : Children sponsored by parents after completing college or high school, or those turning 18, will receive a one-year residence visa that can be renewed for another year. Fees: 100 dirhams. 100 dirhams renewal fee.
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