GCC residents, citizens can travel to Qatar without Hayya card : Qatar's Ministry of Interior has announced that citizens and residents of the Gulf will be allowed to enter the country without a Hayya card.
Regular entry procedures will resume for all those eligible from today, December 6.
However, the authority has added that those who wish to attend the upcoming matches will still need the card.
There are separate rules regarding the entry process, which are as follows:
GCC residents, citizens can travel to Qatar without Hayya card
By air
Travellers will be able to enter the country through airports without a Hayya Card. Those without a match ticket will not be required to register on the Hayya website. As of December 6, 2022 (today), tourists will be able to enter the country seamlessly with travel protocol that was earlier in place.
By bus
All those wishing to enter the country by bus can do so without registering on the website of the Ministry of Interior. Free parking spaces will also be allocated for buses.
By private vehicle
From December 12, 2022, tourists wishing to enter the country using their own private vehicle will be able to do so. However, they must register on the website of the Ministry of Interior at least 12 hours before the date of entry. No fees will be charged on registration.
Authorities have said that this step is being taken in an effort to allow more visitors from GCC countries to come in and enjoy the spirit of the game.
For more information Contact Us +971 50 307 7353
GCC residents, citizens can travel to Qatar without Hayya card
Saudi Personal Visit Visa : Saudi Arabia has opened up and is now set to welcome a massive inflow of global visitors. To cater to the entry requirements of visitors, the Kingdom has several entry visas in place to facilitate entry for various purposes. Recently, Saudi Arabia has just announced the launching of the newly established Personal Visit Visa, through which Saudi citizens can invite friends and acquaintances to visit the country.
Saudi Personal Visit Visa
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has announced a new entry visa dubbed the Personal Visitor Visa. This visit visa allows foreign nationals to enter the country via an invitation from their Saudi friends or acquaintances.
With the Saudi Personal Visit Visa, holders may:
freely visit the country
travel across the Kingdom
visit the Prophet’s Mosque in Madinah and other religious sites
perform Umrah
take part in cultural events
This initiative is part of the government’s efforts to increase the number of foreign visitors in line with the objectives of the Saudi Vision 2030, with the aim of propelling the country’s tourism scene onto the world stage.
How to apply for the Saudi Personal Visit Visa?
To apply for the Saudi Personal Visit Visa, Saudi citizens must:
visit the eVisa platform of the Gateway website at Gatewayz.co
go to the “Individual Service” section of the eVisa platform
fill out the data of the invitees by requesting a personal visit
approve the necessary undertakings
The request will then be processed and a Personal Visit Visa will be issued. The data can be viewed through the “invitation request” query service. To do so, you can take the following steps:
visiting the Gatewatz visa platform selecting the inquiry icon filling in the required data clicking the “Inquiry” icon to know the status of the previously submitted application Further, the invitees may complete the payment for the fees and medical insurance after filling out the “entry visa application” form in the visa platform and then submitting the application and passport to the Saudi embassy or consulate in the country where the invitees reside. They may also visit the centers or offices accredited to the embassy or consulate. Invitees will then receive their passports following the issuance of the entry visa and will be allowed to enter Saudi Arabia.
Free Zone Visa: How to Apply for a Free Zone Visa in the UAE?
The UAE has cemented its role as one of the world’s top global hubs for tourism, businesses, and investments in no small part due to the establishment of numerous free zones in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and across the UAE.
With the aim of attracting more foreign investments, visas are being issued to foreign nationals wishing to take advantage of the perks and benefits being offered by the free zones in the UAE. Here, we take a closer look at the free zone visa; its benefits, costs, application process, and more.
What is a free zone visa?
A free zone is a geographical area with certain tax advantages setup in order to attract investment and development of economic activities. Within the free zones, the prevailing rules are more lenient than the rules prescribed in the rest of the country.
As such, companies established within these free zones enjoy leniencies extending to certain tax exemptions, visa assistance, networking opportunities as well as 100% ownership.
To put it simply, a free zone visa is a type of residence visa issued by the GDRFA for individuals associated with free zone companies. This means that a free zone visa may be in the form of an investment visa, an employment visa, or other types of visa.
For example, an entrepreneur looking to establish their company in a free zone may apply for an investor visa. Conversely, those working for a free zone company are eligible for an employment visa.
Who is eligible for a free zone visa?
Those who are eligible for a free zone visa include the following:
individuals employed by a free zone company. Typically, the free zone company will apply on the employee’s behalf as well as cover all associated costs
entrepreneurs planning on setting up their companies in a free zone. They would be required to apply for the visa through the free zone authority and bear the costs
individuals already holding a freelancer visa may also apply for a free zone visa
Note that free zone visa holders are not allowed to work outside of the free zones.
What are the benefits of a free zone visa?
As with other UAE residence visas, holders of the free zone visa are legally allowed to work and live in the UAE. They are also entitled to financial and banking services, healthcare services as well as applying for a UAE driver’s licence.
Other benefits of a free zone visa are as follows:
full foreign national ownership (100%)
exempted from personal, import, and export taxes
exempted from corporate taxes for a fixed period of time with the option for renewal
eligibility for long-term leasing options (up to 25 years).
What is the validity of the free zone-visa?
As per the latest announcement made by the authorities, the validity of free zone visas has been reduced from three years to two.
However, free zone visas that have already been issued will remain valid for three years. The change will affect freshly issued free zone visas including those that are currently being processed.
How do I apply for the free zone visa?
The steps involved in applying for a free zone visa are as follows.
Step 1: Register for E-Channel services Start by registering at the ICP’s E-Channel services. You’ll be asked to provide some personal details.
Step 2: Apply for your entry permit After completing your registration, the next step is to apply for an entry permit. You can learn about the details of applying for a UAE entry permit in our dedicated article below.
Step 3: Activate your entry permit Once you have obtained your entry permit, you would need to activate it. This simply means getting your entry permit stamped by immigration officers in the UAE. This involves either submitting your passport for stamping, presenting your visa to immigration at an airport upon arrival, or departing the UAE by land and having your permit stamped on re-entry.
Step 4: Medical and Emirates ID registration A medical exam and a fitness test are required to obtain a free zone visa. The medical exam involves a blood test to check for any infectious disease as well as a chest X-ray. The process is typically completed within a few hours and the results will be available in three working days. These tests are a requirement for obtaining your Emirates ID. You can learn more about how you can apply for your Emirates ID in our dedicated article.
Step 5: Residence visa stamping Submit your passport to the UAE’s immigration authority to obtain a residence visa stamp or sticker. Note that this process has been reported to take 15 days which means you won’t be able to leave the UAE.
Kuwait Visa in UAE is an electronic visa for foreign nationals who would like to enter Kuwait on tourist for a maximum of 90 days. Application of Kuwait online eVisa in UAE can be obtained by completing the online form with all the personal information, travel details, passport details & some security questions. The approved Kuwait Visa in UAE can be used for single entry and for tourism purpose only. Kuwait online eVisa in UAE is valid within a month from the intended date of entry Indicated during the application. Kuwait online eVisa holder are not allowed to work in Kuwait.
Kuwait Visa Typing Service in Dubai
Kuwait had launched an electronic visa which makes it easier to the public to travel to Kuwait. You don't need to go to the Kuwait embassy or Consulate for the visa application. GATEWAZY Document Services can assist you in doing your online application typing form for the Kuwait eVisa in UAE by bringing all essential documents required in our center.
Eligibility Criteria for Kuwait Visa in UAE :
Foreign nationals can apply for Kuwait eVisain UAE if they have residency in one of the GCC countries like Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates & Oman.
Valid GCC residency must exceed 6 months while applying for Kuwait eVisa in UAE.
A copy of the Sponsor's GCC residency should be sent along with each e-Visa application for all of the dependents i.e.: (spouse, children, domestic labor etc.)
Passports must be valid for at least six (6) months at the time of arrival in Kuwait.
In case you are a dependent of a GCC resident, you may be requested to present your sponsor residency document & your sponsor should be present upon your arrival in Kuwait.
Following are the countries who are non-residence of GCC Countries eligible for Kuwait e-visa
ANDORRA, AUSTRALIA, AUSTRIA, BELGIUM BHUTAN, BRUNEI, BULGARIA, CAMBODIA CANADA, CROATIA, CYPRUS CZECH DENMARK, ESTONIA, FINLAND, FRANCE GEORGIA, GERMANY, GREECE, HUNGARY ICELAND, IRELAND, ITALY, JAPAN LAOS, LATVIA, LIECHTENSTEIN, LITHUANIA LUXEMBOURG, MALAYSIA, MALTA, MONACO NETHERLANDS, NEW ZEALAND, NORWAY, POLAND PORTUGAL, ROMANIA, SAN MARINO, SERBIA SINGAPORE, SLOVAKIA, SLOVENIA, SOUTH KOREA SPAIN, SWEDEN, SWITZERLAND, The People's Republic of China - HONGKONG TURKEYUKRAINE, UNITED KINGDOM, UNITED STATES VATICAN, VIETNAM.
Procedure in applying for Kuwait eVisa in UAE
Fill out your online application form for Kuwait eVisa in UAE.
All information provided in the online application form for Kuwait eVisa should match exactly as per your passport.
All GCC residents can apply for Kuwait eVisa in UAE.
Once the online application form was submitted, all the Kuwait eVisa notification and updates will be sent via email.
The Kuwait eVisa processing time is within 24 hours (except Friday, Saturday & holidays in Kuwait). However some applications may take longer up to three (3) business days upon completion of the Kuwait e-Visa application form.
In order to complete this Kuwait eVisa application form,candidates must have a valid passport and email address.
Please note that all fact-based information like first and last names, place and date of birth, address, sex, passport number and nationality should appear exactly the same as the passport.
BLS Document Services can help you in filling out your online application form for Kuwait eVisain Dubai.
Singapore Visa from Dubai : Located off the Malay Peninsula’s southern tip in Southeast Asia, Singapore may be a tiny city-state but it’s a destination of astonishing contrasts, thanks to unrivalled cosmopolitan vibe, multi-cultural environment, inspiring nature, and high-end shopping, dining, and entertainment options. So looking for an unforgettable holiday in Singapore? Get the first step itself right by leaving the intricate task of applying of your Singapore visa.
STEPS INVOLVED IN THE APPLICATION OF SINGAPORE VISA ONLINE
Just follow these simple steps to make your Singapore visa application procedures with Onlineevisa.co as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Step 1: Gather & Send Us All Documents You’ll need to compile the following documents and email to visagatewayz.business@gmail.com.
Duly filled out and signed Form 14A (that is error-free as well).
A clear copy of the applicant’s passport bio page. Make sure that your passport is valid for six months from the time you plan to depart from Singapore.
One passport-size color photograph taken against white background within a time frame of three months. Al though headgears are acceptable, it’s vital that all your facial features are clearly visible in the photograph.
Applicant’s contact information such as email address, telephone number (reachable during day time) etc.
Detailed Singapore itinerary covering hotel and flight information.
Copies of airline ticket and hotel reservations.
Step 2: Make Visa Fee Payment You can do this using your valid credit, debit card or any other desired payment mode.
Step 3: Submission Of Visa Application & Documents Once the visa fee payment is done and our expert visa team receives all your above documents*, we’ll thoroughly review and verify all of them prior to their on-time submission to the Consulate – General of the Republic of Singapore in the UAE.
For documents such as the original passport, applicants should mandatorily send it to us by courier or in person.
Step 4: Receive Your Singapore Visa & Collection Of Passport You can conveniently track the status of your visa application online. At most, it will take 3 to 5 days for your Singapore visa processing. When your Singapore Visa is approved, it will be sent to your registered email ID. And as for your original documents such as passport, it will be couriered back to your address or the desired collection centre.
Know More About Visa Requirements
Singapore Visa Requirements and Documents The following are the countries that require a valid visa before entering the country of Singapore- Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Guinea, India, Kazakhstan, Liberia, Moldova, People’s Republic of China, Russia, Sierra Leone, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Commonwealth of Independent States, Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kosovo, Lebanon, Libya, Mali, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Somalia, Sudan, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen, Holders of Palestinian Authority Passport, Temporary Passport issued by the United Arab Emirates and Refugee Document issued by Middle-East countries.
Along with the mandatory documents mentioned above, you should have supporting documents of your entry to the place as your destination from Singapore. This requirement is met by attaching a scanned copy of your return flight ticket. Details of the documentation requirement are given as under:
The visitor must carry a passport with at least 6 months’ validity at the time of travel.
All the travel documents including an onward journey or return ticket for travel must be valid and carried along at the time of travel.
Entry facilities to be pre-decided to the next destination, if applicable.
Visitor must carry required funds to afford stay in Singapore as per Singaporean currency.
A valid visa to gain entry to Singapore, if applicable.
A non-refundable visa processing fee for the application is applicable.
The standard time taken to process your Singapore visa could vary between 3 days and 5 days.
The issued validity of the visa is decided by the issuer on the basis of the produced documents by the applicant. Normally, visa is valid from 1 to 3 months since date of issue. Further extension is possible under special circumstances.
Thailand Visa : Thailand has long been regarded as the center of Southeast Asia’s tourism industry. You can pretty much find everything good about tourism in the east here: welcoming locals, wonderful food, pleasant beaches, stunning mountain ranges, and many more.
What is Thailand Visa?
Thailand e-Visa is a tourist visa for travellers from certain countries. This Thailand Visa is only valid for travel, leisure, or medical needs. Foreigners with e-Visa are not permitted to work, pursue long-term education, or engage in volunteer work.
Countries eligible for Thailand Visa
All countries are eligible for Thailand Visa. However, citizens from some countries may need additional documents and seek further confirmation from their regional Thai Embassy or Consulate:
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, the People’s Republic of China, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iraq, Iran, North Korea, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Palestine, Sao Tome, and Principe, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, and Yemen.
Thailand Visa requirements
Below are the requirements that you need to prepare to apply for your Thailand Visa:
For single-entry: A current passport with no less than 6 months validity and at least 2 blank pages. (single entry). Applicants must complete online visa applications with their given name(s) and surname matching their passports.
For multiple-entry: A current passport with no less than 6 months validity beyond the date of departure from Thailand and at least 2 blank pages. Applicants must complete online visa applications with their given name(s) and surname matching their passports.
A passport-style photo that can be uploaded
Intended date of travel
Proof of accommodation in Thailand, e.g. hotel booking, invitation letter from family or friend in Thailand
For single-entry: Financial evidence – Bank statement or proof of earnings (equivalent to 10,000 Thai Baht for individuals or 20,000 Thai Baht for families.)
For multiple-entry: Financial evidence showing a balance of 200,000 Thai Baht (approx. £5000, USD$5,5000, Aud$8000). This is to prove financial stability over a 6-month period. e.g. bank statements, proof of earnings, sponsorship letter from employer
Thailand Visa application
Below are the steps to apply for your Thailand e-Visa:
Go to the official website of Thai e-Visa.
Apply as an individual
Apply for a new visa
Check Eligibility
Choose the type of Tourist Visa
Upload a scan of your passport for biodata
Enter personal information, including home address, phone, nationality, date of birth, and marital status
Enter Employment details
Complete travel information, including accommodation and flights (if booked)
Upload supporting documents – Noted above
Submit
Proceed to the secure payment portal
After the e-Visa application has been approved, a confirmation email will be sent to you. It is advised that you print a copy of the confirmation email when you are ready to travel. The printed document will be presented to airlines and Thai Immigration officials when traveling to Thailand.
Thailand e-Visa processing time
It usually will take 3-10 working days, depending on the completeness of your documents, the type of visa that you chose, and your nationality. Please apply for an e-Visa for at least a month (but no longer than 3 months) before traveling.
Thailand e-Visa validity
Single entry e-Visa
A Single entry e-Visa allows foreign nationals one entry into Thailand for tourism, leisure, or medical reasons. Travelers will have three months from the moment their visa application is approved to enter Thailand. They are permitted to stay for 60 days once they arrive.
Multiple entry e-Visa
The multiple-entry e-Visa is valid for up to 60 days per visit and allows foreign nationals unlimited entry to Thailand over a 6-month period. This period of stay can also be extended by 30 days by visiting a local Immigration Office.
Thailand e-Visa cost
Regardless of your nationality, a Thailand e-Visa will cost USD$82 (or equivalent). Once you submit your application, you make this payment through the secure e-Visa online page. The payment is not refundable.
Thailand e-Visa extension
Visitors with a multi-entry e-Visa can extend their time in the country by 30 days by visiting a local Thai Immigration Office. An extension of stay will cost THB 1,900 and must be paid in cash when applying for the extension.
When you extend your stay, a new stamp will be placed in your passport for 30 days from the date you are at immigration, so it is best to do this towards the end of your 60-day visit.
What happens if you overstay your Thailand e-Visa?
You need to visit the office before your current stay period expires. Staying in the country past your exit date will cause an “overstay” and you will be fined THB 500 per day after your official exit date. An overstay is noted in your passport and can affect future visa applications. This extension of stay is only available in the country.
UAE Visa Without Job : About 85 percent of the UAE’s population consists of expatriates who come to work as an employee and live in the country on a work visa. However, the UAE continuing its stride to become the ideal destination for work, investment, entrepreneurship, education, and life, has made a noteworthy expansion of the visa scheme that allows expats to live and enjoy the high standard of living in the UAE without a work visa.
You can get UAE Visa Without Job
Although a majority of the expats, which accounts for about 85 percent of the UAE’s population, work as an employee in the country and require a work visa to live here, there has, however, been a noteworthy expansion of the visa scheme as announced by the UAE government.
With the travel and tourism industries returning to normalcy, and under the UAE’s new visa rules, expats can now choose to live and enjoy the high standard of living that the country offers to its residents without a work visa.
The following are some UAE’s new residence schemes which allow expatriates to enter and reside in the country without a visa:
UAE Visa Without Job
UAE Visa Without Job : Golden visa
The Golden visa is a long-term residency visa that enables foreign talents to live and work or study in the UAE for up to 10 years. This golden residency scheme is renewable and reserved for certain categories ranging from investors with a minimum of Dh2 million investment, entrepreneurs, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, to scientists, frontline workers and Covid-19 heroes, exceptionally-talented and first-degree relatives.
UAE Visa Without Job : Remote work visa
The 1-year Remote work visa allows employees, professionals, and freelancers from all over the world to legally live and work remotely from Dubai and across the UAE. Should your application to live in Dubai be approved by the UAE, you may even bring your family along.
The applicant will, however, have to submit proof of employment from a foreign employer with one-year contract validity and a minimum salary of $5,000 (Dh18,365.50). Furthermore, the visa does not require candidates to have a job, or a sponsor, in the UAE, to be eligible to apply for the visa.
UAE Visa Without Job
UAE Visa Without Job
UAE Visa Without Job : Green visa
The UAE Green Visa is essentially a new residency visa category that distinguishes between work and residency permits. The Green Visa will allow highly skilled people, investors, entrepreneurs and top students and graduates to sponsor themselves without having to first associate themselves with companies based in the UAE.
Some major improvements for the UAE Green Visa, under UAE’s new visa rules, include new 5-year residence tracks, introduced mainly to attract talents, skilled professionals, freelancers, investors and entrepreneurs. In addition to facilitating and simplifying the requirements of all residence types, more benefits are being offered including, longer flexible grace periods that reach up to 6 months to stay in the country after the residence permit is cancelled or expired to facilitate family members’ residence.
UAE Visa Without Job : Retirement visa
The Retirement visa UAE is essentially a 5-year renewable visa granting expat retirees residency status within the UAE.
The Retirement visa reflects the UAE government’s commitment to welcoming everyone to live within its borders. Generally, the Retirement visa UAE is available for all retirees able to meet its requirements including their spouses and dependents.
Among the requirements is the age of the applicant which must be at least 55 years old and must have invested Dh2 million in property, have financial savings of no less than Dh1 million, or have an active income of no less than Dh20,000 per month.
UAE Visa Without Job : Job exploration visa
The Job Exploration Visa is mainly introduced as a means to attract young talents and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities available in the country. The visa does not require a sponsor or a host and will be granted if the applicant meets the following requirements:
is classified in the first or second or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation
is a fresh graduate of the best 500 universities in the world
has a minimum educational level of a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
Divorced or widowed women and their children
A one-year visa extension will be granted to women living in the UAE who were on their husband’s visa at the time of divorce or widowing. The extension starts from the date of death or divorce and may only be renewed once without the requirement of a substitute sponsor.
The visa of the women and their children must have been valid at the time of the death or divorce. The divorced or widowed women, to be eligible to obtain this visa must, however, be able to submit the following documents:
proof of divorce or death
proof of the availability of accommodation
proof of the woman’s ability to earn a living
medical fitness certificates of the women and her children over the age of 18
Emirates ID card of the woman and health insurance cards.
Residence permit for humanitarian cases
Residence permits to the UAE will be issued for the following humanitarian cases:
a female resident whose husband of UAE nationality passed away in the country and has one child or more will be eligible for a residence permit.
parents or children of a UAE citizen who holds foreign passports
spouses and children of Gulf Corporation Council (GCC) state citizens who hold foreign passports
India cancels Air Suvidha forms : India on Monday announced it would discontinue the self declaration of Covid-19 vaccination through its Air Suvidha portal from today.
The forms had to be filled in by international passengers arriving in India. Following revised Guidelines for International Arrivals issued by India’s Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the Civil Aviation Ministry issued a notice, making the registration no longer be necessary.
Following revised 'Guidelines for International Arrivals' issued by India’s Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Civil Aviation Ministry issued a notice, making the registration no longer be necessary.
You are reading : India cancels Air Suvidha forms
India cancels Air Suvidha forms
The Indian mission in Dubai shared the circular of the revised guidelines that stated the updated advice.
The circular said, “The present guidelines are being revised in light of sustained declining Covid-19 trajectory and significant advances being made in Covid-19 vaccination coverage both globally as well as in India.”
As per the document, passengers planning for travel, “should preferably be fully vaccinated as per the approved primary schedule of vaccination against Covid-19 in the country.”
During travel, “In-flight announcement about the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic including precautionary measures to be followed (preferable use of masks and following physical distancing) shall be made in flight /travel and at all points of entry.
“Any passenger having symptoms of Covid-19 during travel shall be isolated as per standard protocol i.e. the said passenger should be wearing mask, isolated and segregated from other passengers in flight/travel and shifted to an isolation facility subsequently for follow up treatment.”
Upon arrival, the guideline states, “De-boarding should be done ensuring physical distancing. Thermal screening should be done in respect of all the passengers by the health officials present at the point of entry. The passengers found to be symptomatic during screening shall be immediately isolated, taken to a designated medical facility as per health protocols.”
The guidelines also urge passengers to self-monitor their health post arrival and report to their nearest heath facility in case they have any suggestive symptoms.
UAE Golden Visa: Minimum Salary RequirementAs part of the expanded Golden Visa scheme, more skilled professionals can get the long-term residency, with the minimum monthly salary requirement dropping from Dh50,000 to Dh30,000. Disciplines include medicine, sciences and engineering, information technology, business and administration, education, law, culture and social sciences.
uae-golden-visa-change
uae-golden-visa-change in Minimum Salary Requirement The applicants should have a valid employment contract in the UAE, and be classified in the first or second occupational level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation system. The minimum educational level is a bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
UAE Golden Visa Change in Minimum Salary Requirement According to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), over 151,600 Golden Visas were issued in Dubai between 2019 and 2022. This is expected to go up significantly now that more categories of expatriates can get the coveted visa.
UAE Golden Visa Change in Minimum Salary Requirement
How life has changed for these residents
Rosine Saad, a Lebanese expat, applied for the Golden Visa for practical reasons. “My visa was expiring at the time, and I didn’t have a permanent visa. I am active in the arts scene, so I was eligible,” she said.
However, it wasn’t only the case of seeking legal stability. “I also wanted personal stability. Being from a nationality that can’t do ‘visa runs’, I wanted something that connects me here. I feel that the UAE is my second home, and I grew here as a person in the last 10 years.”
uae-golden-visa-change in Minimum Salary Requirement When she received it, Rosine said she was overwhelmed with gratitude. “I felt humbled and grateful. They saw something in me,” she said. “Now, I can focus on what I want to do without being stressed about my legal status. I feel like I can take my time to explore creatively.”
In the past, she added, she would sometimes take odd jobs just to be in the country legally.
“I hope it gets renewed again in 10 years. I would also really hope to see medical benefits for Golden Visa recipients, this would make a huge difference for those who have no medical insurance,” she said.
uae-golden-visa-change in Minimum Salary Requirement. When Mir Imran Hussein came to Dubai from India, he only intended to stay for two or three years. “Many expats are the same, but then the city is so welcoming so when the option for a 10-year visa came up, I went for it,” he said.
Mir said that it gave him the chance to plan his life and to think about things like buying his own house and starting a production company.
“Stability is key especially when you have a family. When your visa is renewed every two or three years, you can’t really make plans,” he said.
Mir said that the process itself from applying to receiving took from seven to 10 working days. “Everything was so smooth.”
After receiving it he said that he felt a sense of responsibility. “This country rewards you for your efforts and so I plan my every step carefully and hope to inspire others.”
As a Golden Visa holder, Mir said he hopes to get visa-free travel across the GCC and to receive information from the authorities concerned regarding investment opportunities in the country.
Visiting the United Kingdom from the United Arab Emirates
The United Kingdom is one of the most popular destinations for citizens of the UAE, with around 40,000 Emirates visiting the country every year.
There are many reasons why residents of the UAE choose to UK Visit Visa. With over 5000 UK companies operating in the UAE, business visits from the capital city of Dubai are common.
If you want to UK Visit Visa the United Kingdom from Dubai then you will need either a UK Visit Visa or an Electronic Visa Waiver.
Electronic Visa Waiver for Dubai residents
Citizens of the UAE may also be eligible for an Electronic Visa Waiver (EVW) instead of a visit visa. The EVW also allows you to visit the United Kingdom for up to 6 months for tourism, business, medical treatment or even to study.
You can apply for the EVW up to 3 months before you intend to travel to the United Kingdom, but the latest that you can apply is 48 hours before you are due to travel.
The process to apply for an EVW is fairly simple, you must fill in the application form on the gov.uk website and will need the following:
your current passport
an address in the United Kingdom where you will stay
details of your journey, including departure and arrival dates and times
You should then receive an email within 24 hours with your EVW, you must show this when you travel either by printing it or showing it on an electronic device such as a phone.
It’s important to note that you can not use an EVW to work or to get married in the United Kingdom and that it will only allow you to enter the United Kingdom once. If your travel plans change, you must update this on your EVW.
UK Standard Visitor Visa
The UK Visit Visa is a type of tourist visa that allows non-EEA nationals to visit the United Kingdom for a number of purposes. This visa can be used for visiting friends and family in the UK, for leisure purposes, to access private medical treatment or to attend business meetings.
The UK Visit Visa is usually valid for 6 months from the date of travel. To be eligible you must be able to meet a few requirements, including:
proving that you can support yourself financially whilst in the United Kingdom
proving that you will leave the United Kingdom at the end of your visit and that you won’t live in the United Kingdom for an extended period through successive visits
showing proof of any business or other activities that you plan to do whilst in the United Kingdom
Standard Visitor Visa application process
You must apply for the UK Visit Visa online before you leave Dubai. The application form is available on the gov.uk website. You can make your visa application up to three months before you intend to travel to the United Kingdom.
After completing the online application, you need to book an appointment at a visa application centre near you to prove your identity. There are two visa application centres located in the UAE, one in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi. During your appointment you will have your biometric information taken, this is your photo and fingerprints.
Once you have completed your online application and attended your appointment, the processing time is usually 3 week. There are Super Priority and Priority visa services available for those who need to travel urgently.
Required documents
When making your visa application you will need to provide a valid passport or travel document. Your passport will need a blank page for the visa and must also be valid for the duration of your stay. As well as this, you will have to supply several other supporting documents to prove that you are eligible for the UK Visit Visa. The documents that you will need may vary but they will need to provide the following information:
the dates you’re planning to travel to the United Kingdom
details of where you’ll be staying during your visit
how much you think your trip will cost
your current home address and how long you’ve lived there
your parents’ names and dates of birth
how much you earn in a year
details of any criminal, civil or immigration offences you may have committed
You will need to have any documents that aren’t in English translated before you submit them.
Using the Visitor Visa for business activities
You can use the Standard Visitor Visa for a number of business reasons whilst you are in the country. This includes attending meetings, conferences, trade fairs or even to negotiate contracts. You can also partake in certain business activities, including proving training and sharing knowledge on internal contracts.
However, because you will be subject to the visitor rules, you cannot use the UK Visit Visa for all business activities. This visa does not allow you to do paid work with a UK company or as a self-employed person. You may be able to do paid work by applying for the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa.
Visitor Visa for paid business engagements
The Permitted Paid Engagement UK Visit Visa is for those who have been invited to Britain as an expert in their profession. To be eligible for this visa, Dubai residents must be invited by a UK-based organisation or client.
The Permitted Paid Engagement Visa is valid for up to 1 month. This visa allows you to partake in paid work, however, you cannot undertake paid work that is not related to your main job or area of expertise.
The application process for the Permitted Paid Engagement Visa is very similar to the Standard UK Visit Visa. You must fill in the online application form before booking an appointment at one of the visa application centres in the UAE, located in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
