UAE Visa
‘No-fee visas, fake job promises trap women in Gulf trafficking ring’
Agents involved in trafficking women to Gulf countries under the pretext of providing jobs do not charge fees for visas or documentation, according to Arz (Anyay Rahit Zindagi), Goa police’s nodal agency for rescuing victims of commercial sexual exploitation. The agents exploit victims for both sexual and labor purposes. In recent cases, Goa police arrested two individuals for trafficking women to Muscat.
UAE unveils new visa-on-arrival policy for Indian nationals: Are you eligible for it?
UAE has introduced a visa-on-arrival policy for Indian nationals holding valid US, UK, or EU visas. They will get a 14-day visa upon arrival, extendable by 60 days with a fee. This move enhances travel and business opportunities between India and the UAE, where over 3.5 million Indians reside.
Indians spoilt for choice as nations roll out easy visas
40,000 young Indians have applied for Australia’s 'First Work and Holiday visa'. Several countries are simplifying or introducing new visa processes for Indians. Sri Lanka now offers free visas, while Dubai has a five-year multiple-entry visa. Malaysia and Thailand also offer visa-free entry, boosting travel from India.
As Dubai becomes the New Chelsea, brace for exit taxes
The UK currently relies heavily on its top earners for tax revenue, making their potential departure a concern for public funding. A UK exit tax might deter wealthy individuals from leaving and signal a commitment to tax equity.
UAE Visa Amnesty program begins: Indian Consulate in Dubai issues advisory
The UAE has launched a two-month visa amnesty program starting September 1, allowing illegal residents to regularise their status or leave without penalties. The Consulate General of India in Dubai has provided guidelines for Indian applicants, including applying for Emergency Certificates or short validity passports and utilizing BLS centers for assistance.
Abu Dhabi is betting on a $10 bn upgrade to get wealthy expats to move in
Abu Dhabi is undergoing a major transformation as it invests billions into new construction projects to boost tourism, diversify its economy, and attract global talent. The Guggenheim museum, set to be 12 times larger than its New York counterpart, and other cultural landmarks like the Zayed National Museum are part of a $10 billion initiative to enhance the city’s cultural appeal.
Tourist visas with health insurance soon to be a reality in the UAE
The UAE has introduced a new initiative to streamline health insurance for tourists applying for visas. Managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), this project will allow tourists to obtain health insurance through an online platform while applying for their visas.
UAE visa pre-approval simplified: Options for Indian travelers explained
Indian travellers can obtain a 14-day entry visa upon arrival in the UAE by holding a US green card or a residence visa from the UK or any EU country. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD) offers a pre-approval service to streamline immigration procedures. To apply, individuals can visit the GDRFAD website, log in with their UAE Pass or online account details, and complete the application form under "Port services."
What is UAE's Golden Visa that was recently granted to legendary actor Rajinikanth?
Veteran South actor Rajnikanth was recently granted a UAE golden visa by the Department of Culture and Tourism, Abu Dhabi. He expressed gratitude to the Abu Dhabi government and MA Yusuff Ali, chairman of Lulu Group, for their support. The UAE golden visa is a long-term residency permit offering various privileges, including entry visas for six months with multiple entries, renewable residence visas valid for 5 or 10 years, the ability to stay outside the UAE for extended periods, sponsorship of family members, and permits for family members to stay in the UAE if the primary holder passes away.
UAE launches 10-year Blue Residency visa; here are all the details
The UAE has introduced a new 10-year Blue Residency visa for individuals who have made outstanding contributions to environmental protection, whether on land or in marine environments. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, announced the visa, emphasizing the importance of sustainability in the country's future. Eligible individuals can apply through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security.
Unified GCC visa: Middle East’s multi-nation travel permit to be rolled out this year
The Saudi Tourism Authority has said the imminent introduction of the Unified GCC visa, permitting travellers to explore all six Gulf nations for more than 30 days, is scheduled for implementation by year's end. This initiative, introduced by the UAE Minister of Economy at the Arabian Travel Market, seeks to stimulate tourism and streamline travel throughout the GCC region. Comprising Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, the Gulf Cooperation Council is actively participating in this endeavour.
UAE updates visa-on-arrival for 87 countries; is India included?
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs updated its visa exemption policy, allowing citizens from 87 countries to enter without a pre-entry visa. However, nationals from 110 countries still need a visa before arriving in the UAE. GCC citizens can enter with just a passport or identity card. Those interested can find the list of exempt nationalities on the provided link.
Abu Dhabi is trying to lure traders with perks on country clubs & school admissions
Abu Dhabi officials are strategically positioning the city as a top financial center by offering perks and leveraging sovereign wealth capital. The city's growth is evident with the influx of global financial firms and professionals, solidifying its status in the industry.
Dubai cuts work permit and residency visa processing time from 30 days to 5
The UAE government's new "Work Bundle" platform slashes processing time for work permits and residency visas from 30 days to just five. Initially introduced in Dubai, it streamlines procedures by consolidating eight services into a single platform, reducing steps from 15 to five, documents required from 16 to five, and visits from seven to two.
These Indian travellers can get visas on arrival in the UAE
The Emirates currently serves nine destinations in India with 167 weekly flights, connecting travellers to Dubai and onwards to a global network of more than 140 destinations. The airline's network in India includes Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram.
UAE considering visa-free travel for Gulf residents
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is considering implementing a visa system that would allow residents to travel easily to other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nations, including Saudi Arabia. The proposed system aims to facilitate free movement within the bloc and could be introduced in the near future. Currently, foreign residents in the GCC countries often require visas to cross borders, while citizens of the bloc can travel freely.
UAE visa applicants alert: VFS Global warns against new fraud trap
UAE visa applicants: VFS Global has cautioned visa aspirants against fraudsters who may attempt to gain access to personal information or ask for money via social media. The company has also urged candidates to be careful of false promises offering overseas settlement opportunities. VFS Global also said that it does not ask for personal information through social media platforms.
UAE reduces visa overstay fine by half to just Dh50/day
The UAE government has reduced its overstay visa fine from Dh100 to Dh50 a day to encourage compliance with immigration laws. To facilitate a smoother visa process, expatriates and tourists are encouraged to visit the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs websites.
UAE announces 30-day visa extension for visitors via app at a fee of Dh750
The visitors need to be present in the country during the application and possess a passport that is valid for at least six months. The required documents for the extension include the original entry permit and a colored personal photo that meets the approved standards.
New multiple entry UAE visas; how to apply for them?
Be it for holidays, work, or retirement. Currently, the UAE offers different entry visas for foreigners in UAE. However, every permit visa has a different requirement list.
10 things to know about the newly modified UAE visa process
After their visas are cancelled, certain visa holders can continue to stay in the UAE for six months.
UAE approves new entry, residence scheme for foreigners
Foreign residents make up more than 80 per cent of the population of the UAE and have been a mainstay of the economy for decades. The UAE comprises seven sheikhdoms, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
UAE suspends visa-on-arrival service for Indian passengers with US, UK visas
"The UAE authorities have decided to temporarily suspend the visa-on-arrival facility for passengers who are arriving from or been in India in the past 14 days. We're working to update our website," Etihad's official guest relations Twitter account notified passengers
VFS Global resumes UAE tourist visa services for Indian travellers
Travellers will be required to present a valid negative Covid-19 test certificate issued within 48 hours from the time of collecting the sample and from an approved health service, which use the QR code System, as well as Rapid PCR Test report conducted at the departure airport 6 hours prior to departure, provided with a QR code system.
Dubai expects economic boost from UAE golden visa extension
Foreigners in the UAE usually have renewable visas valid for only a few years tied to employment. The government in the past couple of years has made its visa policy more flexible, offering longer residencies for certain types of investors, students and professionals.
Indian student gets 10-year UAE Golden Visa
Tasneem Aslam from Kerala received the Golden Visa in the exceptional student category and is allowed to stay in the country till 2031, Khaleej Times reported.
UAE top diplomat acknowledges visa restrictions on Pakistan
Following a meeting with his Pakistani counterpart, Emirati Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan stressed "the temporary nature of recent restrictions imposed on the issuance of visas due to the outbreak of COVID-19," the UAE's state-run WAM news agency reported Sunday.
UAE halts new visas to citizens of 13 mostly Muslim states
A source briefed on the matter told Reuters the visas had temporarily stopped being issued to Afghans, Pakistanis and citizens of several other countries over security concerns, but did not provide details of those concerns.
UAE suspends issuance of visitor visas to Pakistan & 11 other countries
"We have learnt that the UAE has temporarily suspended the issuance of new visit visas until further announcement for 12 countries, including Pak," he said, adding that the govt is seeking official confirmation from the UAE authorities in this matter.
UAE widens 'golden' visa to allow 10-year residency to some
All holders of doctorate degrees, medical doctors and also computer, electronics, programming, electrical and biotechnology engineers are eligible.
UAE launches 'Golden Card' scheme to woo wealthy investors, exceptional talents
The Golden Card offers unprecedented benefits to the cardholders and their families while creating an attractive environment for business and growth.
UAE to offer expats long-term residency visa after retirement
The United Arab Emirates will allow foreigners to obtain long-term residency visas after they retire.
UAE announces free transit visa from Dubai, Abu Dhabi for two days
India is already the number one international tourist source market for Dubai. Nearly 1.8 crore Indians travel to the UAE every year with Dubai and Abu Dabhi being the top tourist destinations.
Minors travelling to UAE sans parents need authorisation: Air India
The move, which is effective from today, comes following a warning from Dubai Police and other relevant authorities to prevent child trafficking, said the advisory.
SpiceJet to offer visa services for Dubai-bound passengers
All Indian passport holders travelling to Dubai on SpiceJet and holding valid round trip tickets can avail the visa service. It would be available for 14 days as well as 30 days tourist visas.
Indians with US visas to receive visa on arrival in UAE
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs this week circulated a letter to all authorities to grant Indians with US visa or green card to get UAE visa on arrival following a Cabinet decision last month.
Coldplay fans from India rush to Abu Dhabi for concert tickets. Is it cheaper than Mumbai shows?
As excitement builds for Coldplay's upcoming concerts in Abu Dhabi on January 11 and 12, 2025, Indian fans are eagerly seeking tickets after facing disappointment with the Mumbai shows. Many took to social media to express frustration over technical issues during the Mumbai ticket sales on BookMyShow. Amid this chaos, a viral post suggested that traveling to Abu Dhabi for the concert could be a more economical option, with lower ticket prices and more affordable accommodations compared to Mumbai.
Dreaming of retiring in Dubai? Here are the steps to secure your long-term visa
Dubai appeals not only to young, affluent individuals but also to retirees seeking a comfortable lifestyle. The city offers a range of modern apartments and luxurious villas within vibrant communities, providing a high quality of life. To qualify for a retirement visa, retirees must meet one of the financial criteria: a sustainable annual income of AED 180,000 (approx. USD 49,000), AED 1 million in a 3-year fixed deposit, AED 1 million in property (either unmortgaged or with substantial mortgage payments), or a combination of AED 500,000 in savings and AED 500,000 in property.
Dubai to grant golden visas for imams, preachers, muezzins ahead of Eid
UAE will be granting olden visas to mosque imams, preachers, muezzins, muftis, and religious researchers who have completed 20 years of service in the country, the Dubai Media Office (DMO) said in a tweet.
What you should know about UAE work permit cancellation, how it may impact your resident visa
The work permit enables the individual to work for a company, a residence visa allows the individual to reside in the UAE. Read further to know what happens if your work permit gets terminated.
Taliban negotiating with UAE over airspace control
Meanwhile, the Afghan Traders' Council in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) welcomed the deals, saying the contract with the UAE's GAAC company to provide air services is crucial for strengthening relations between Kabul and Abu Dhabi. Haji Obaidullah Sadarkhail, the head of the council, says that this contract will also solve the problem of issuing UAE visas to Afghan citizens and businesspeople, reported The Khaama Press.
Don't job hunt on visit visas to UAE, Indians told
The advisory follows high numbers of calls and visits by Indian workers who have been duped by agents or employers on a regular basis, the Gulf News reported.
UAE launches amnesty programme for foreign workers overstaying permits
The UAE is home to 2.8 million Indian expatriates, the largest expatriate community in the country.
Centrum Direct launches Centrum Global Visa Services
Retail forex business player Centrum Direct Ltd has launched 'Centrum Global Visa Services', offering visa application services to 180 countries.
RAK Airways awaits Centre's nod to fly to more Indian cities
RAK Airways, a national airline of United Arab Emirates, is awaiting the Civil Aviation Ministry's clearance for stepping up its India operations.
Plan your UAE vacation to get the most in least
Instead of just visiting Dubai, take a 5-day trip to this country and cover Abu Dhabi as well. Here’s how to make the most of your vacation.
