Dubai: In a significant development, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has eased visa rules for several categories of people belonging to other countries.
For instance, graduates with an exceptional academic record, professionals and investors will be granted a visa without a sponsor. This facility was earlier available for people holding temporary work permits.
Similarly, tourist visas having a validity of five years will be allowed with which visitors can travel to the UAE several times. Moreover, a visiting visa would be granted without a sponsor, enabling travellers to meet relatives and friends in the UAE with ease.
Under the new rules, parents can sponsor male children up to the age of 25 years. According to the old rules, the age limit was 18 years. At the same time, there is no age restriction on girl children. Sons needing special care are also exempted from the age bar.
From now on, preference will be given for graduates and professionals seeking employment in the UAE.
A five-year residence visa, termed ‘Green Residence’ is allowed for leading figures in various sectors, investors and professionals.
People travelling to the UAE for education, training or internships could be sponsored by the universities or public or private institutions.
In another important easing of rules, people travelling to the UAE with a tourist visa can stay in the country for up to 90 days. The visa could also be extended by another 90 days. However, such visitors cannot stay in the UAE for more than 180 days in a year. Moreover, they should maintain a minimum bank balance of 4,000 US Dollars (around Rs 3 lakh) for six months.
Golden visa
In a related development, the UAE has withdrawn some conditions related to the ‘Golden visa’. As per the new rules, the six-month-limit on stay abroad for people holding the 10-year golden visa has been abolished.
Moreover, golden visa holders can sponsor their relatives irrespective of age. They can also employ as many domestic helps as they wish.
In the event of the death of the visa holders, their family members can continue in the UAE.
From now on, golden visa will be allowed for celebrities and those made significant achievements in the fields of culture, arts, sports, digital technology and research irrespective of their educational qualifications based on the recommendation from a government institution.
