If you want to come to the UAE to hunt for work or explore business prospects, you can apply for a visa expressly for that reason soon. In fact, you will no longer need a sponsor or host to obtain a visa on your behalf if you are traveling in to visit relatives and friends.
On April 18, 2022, the UAE government announced 11 different types of entry visas as part of a new ‘Entry and Residence Scheme.’ The visa arrangement will take effect in September of this year.
The new plan would allow flexible visa durations based on the needs of visitors and the purpose of the visit, as well as eliminating the necessity for a host or sponsor for some categories of visit visas.
Here’s everything you need to know about the ten categories and the eligibility criteria for each.
1. Tourist Visa
A tourist visa must be sponsored by a travel agency.
2. Multi-entry tourist visa – five years
You can apply for a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa in addition to the ordinary tourist visa described above. The following are the characteristics of a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa:
- There is no requirement for a sponsor.
- It permits the individual to stay in the country for up to 90 days in a row.
- It can be renewed for a similar period of time, as long as the total stay does not exceed 180 days in a calendar year.
- To be eligible for this type of visa, the applicant must have a bank balance of $4,000 (Dh14,692) or its equivalent in foreign currencies for six months before the submission of the visa application.
3. Visa to visit relatives or friends in the UAE
- If a visitor is a relative or friend of a UAE citizen or resident, he or she can apply for this entry permit.
- There is no need for a host or a sponsor.
4. Visa for exploring job opportunities
This visa allows young talent and talented employees to explore job prospects in the UAE without the need for a host or sponsor. The following people will be given a visa:
- According to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, those are classed in the first, second, or third competence level (MOHRE).
- Recent grads from the world’s top 500 colleges.
An applicant’s minimum educational level should be a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
5. Visa for exploring business opportunities
Individuals seeking to explore investment and commercial opportunities in the UAE will be able to apply for this visa without the need for a sponsor or host in the UAE.
6. Temporary work mission
Individuals on a temporary work assignment, such as probation testing or a project, will be eligible for a special visa under the new arrangement. This visa is sponsored by the company and requires a temporary work contract or letter from the employer stating the purpose of the visit as well as proof of physical fitness to work.
7. Medical treatment
Visitors seeking medical treatment in the UAE will need to be sponsored by a medical facility.
8. Studying or training
Visitors traveling to the UAE for training and internships are likewise covered by the Entry and Residence Scheme. Educational institutions, as well as governmental and commercial enterprises, sponsor this entrance visa. A letter from the entity confirming the facts of the study, training, or internship programme, as well as its duration, would be required for the visa application.
9. Diplomatic affairs
Holders of diplomatic, special, and United Nations (UN) passports are eligible for this visa.
10. GCC Residents
Residents of GCC nations and their family members would be eligible for this visa.
11. Emergency visa
This visa is available to passengers traveling, sailors, flight crews, and individuals in medical or flying emergency situations.