Dubai Visa Rules and Procedures

Credit card bill worries In Dubai

2010-02-08T04:38:33.037-08:00

Visa cannot be cancelled when the person is not in the country

2010-02-08T04:28:04.854-08:00

Valid sponsors for appliying U.A.E Visa

2010-02-03T23:45:01.244-08:00

Emirates, Visa team up to offer free tourist visas during Dubai Shopping Festival

2010-02-02T01:13:24.644-08:00

Citizens of 34 nations exempt from UAE visit visa waiting period

2010-01-21T02:44:51.038-08:00

Dubai: Citizens of 34 countries do not have to wait one month before applying for a visit visa after leaving the UAE, a senior Interior Ministry official said.Currently visitors who leave the UAE even after a day's stay have to wait for a month before they can apply for a visit visa again."Citizens of nations who need to obtain an entry permit into the country through any one of the residency departments will not be able to apply for another visa immediately after they leave the country," Major General Nasser Al Awadi Al Menhali, acting Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior for Naturalisation, Residency and Borders, told Gulf News in an exclusive interview.Law �"Even if they stay here for two days and leave the country, they can come back after one month," he said. There is no multiple entry visit visa, Maj. Gen. Al Menhali stressed."If a visitor comes here, then goes on vacation to a nearby country and wants to come back, he should wait for one month before returning here," he said.Maj. Gen. Al Menhali said these rules apply to people who need to apply for a visa prior entering the UAE."There are citizens of 34 countries who do not need a visa in advance. These citizens can get a visa upon arrival in the UAE," he said.He said since the visa is issued upon arrival, these citizens can come back here any time they like."Citizens of these 34 countries need to show their passport to the immigration officer at any of the country's borders and they will have a new visa stamped. They can come and go as much as they want and at any time they want," he said.Rules not new"These rules are not new. But some people believe that they can come to the country and stay a couple of days and leave. They want to come back gain on the same visa believing that the visa has not expired yet, but they cannot. They have to wait for one month," he said.Maj. Gen. Al Menhali said if a person stays for a day and leaves, the visa will be deemed expired even if the expiration date is later.He said the one month waiting period is counted from the day the person leaves the country and not from the date of the visa expiration.Multiple entryBusinessmen who need to enter and leave the country several times can apply for a multiple entry visa which is valid for six months, a senior Interior Ministry official said.Major General Nasser Al Awadi Al Menhali, acting Assistant Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior for Naturalisation, Residency and Borders, said once this multiple entry visa expires, businessmen have to wait for a month before applying for another visa.This waiting period does not apply to citizens of 34 countries.Maj. Gen. Al Menhali said the residency department deals with issuing visas on a case-by-case basis."We study each visa application and if it needs to be issued before the end of the one-month period, we can do it but it will depend on the circumstances of the visa applicant," the interior ministry official said.The citizens of these 34 countries also do not have to wait a month before applying for a visit visa.List of 34 countriesAndorra Australia Austria Belgium Brunei Canada Denmark Finland FranceGermanyGreece Hong Kong Iceland Ireland Italy Japan Liechtenstein Luxembourg Malaysia Monaco Netherlands (Holland) New Zealand Norway Paraguay Portugal San Marino Singapore South Korea Spain Sweden Switzerland United Kingdom United States Vatican City[...]

Residence visa seekers to be fingerprinted

2010-01-17T00:30:18.867-08:00

Residency departments across the country will manage a fingerprint identification system and database for all residents in the country. "Starting August 09, applicants for residence visa will be fingerprinted under a tighter biometric system to provide more secure identification and prevent fraud," Major General Nasser Al Awadi Al Minhali, Acting Director-General of the Federal Naturalisation and Residency Department . He said fresh applicants for residence visas will get their fingerprints taken before the medical check-up to ensure they have no criminal record. "Those found to be with criminal records will be denied visa and handed over to the police for further legal action." Al Minhali said a number of residents who had their fingerprints taken for obtaining identification cards were found to have a criminal record. "This prompted authorities to introduce this measure to prevent people with a criminal record from obtaining a visa." He added residents living in the country will be fingerprinted when they apply for renewal of their visa. "The move will eventually cover all residents in the country, including workers sponsored by their employers, investors, domestic workers and parents of residents," he said. Al Minhali did not specify the fees, but said they will be nominal. Many residents questioned the move and asked if there was any point in being fingerprinted for the ID card and then again for the residence visa. But Al Minhali said the National Identity Authority examines whether an applicant has a criminal record or not, but the database that will be set up at the Naturalisation and Residency departments across the country will act as a source of information to ensure only those with certificate of "good conduct" or "lack of a criminal record" will be granted residence visa. Al Minhali said fingerprinting services will be available at Naturalisation and Residency departments across the country. He did not say whether the fingerprinting will be done manually or electronically. "We will manage a fingerprint identification system and database for all residents in the country and lead the way in the development, assessment and implementation of new techniques for operational fingerprinting." Categories covered under scheme Employment Visa: Employment Visa or Permit is issued by the Naturalisation and Residency Department to a foreign national who wishes to work for a company in the UAE upon the approval of the Ministry of Labour. It allows the holder to enter the UAE once for a period of 30 days and is valid for two months from the date of issue. When the employee has entered the country on the basis of the employment visa, the sponsoring company will arrange to complete the formalities of stamping his residence. Residence Visa: A residence visa is required for those who intend to enter the UAE to live with a person who is already a resident. It is issued to the immediate kin of a resident for three years renewable for a fee of Dh300. The residence permit becomes invalid if the resident remains more than six months at a time out of the country. Parents of residents are issued residence visas after special approval with a renewable validity of one year for a fee of Dh100 for each year. A refundable deposit of Dh5,000 has to be paid for each parent. Investor Visa: It is issued to an expatriate investor in partnership with a local. The foreign investor must hold a minimum stake of Dh70,000 in the share capital. Like the residence visa, it is issued for three years for a fee of Dh300. Visa for domestic help will be covered under the fingerprinting scheme[...]

Visitor visas valid only for single entry to UAE, Ministry

2010-01-17T00:20:03.052-08:00

The Dubai World Insolvency Code

2010-01-17T00:13:40.240-08:00

On 14 December 2009, UAE's stock market shot up in excess of 10% following the announcement of the due repayment of $ 4.1 billion to the Sukuk holders of Nakheel Development Limited following a $ 10 billion support payment from Abu Dhabi to the Government of Dubai.Only a few hours' later the Dubai Government announced the implementation of an insolvency code, Decree No.57 for 2009 (the "Code"), created specifically for Nakheel's ultimate parent Dubai World and its group companies. This Code is largely based on Dubai International Financial Centre's insolvency laws with some amendments specific to Dubai World.There was certainly some uncertainty surrounding the ability of the existing UAE insolvency laws to handle a case like that of Dubai World. The issues relating to Dubai World were enormous in scope and unique. The debt to be dealt with, even by the standards of the past 14 months, was significant. There was the issue of whether or not existing UAE law would in fact apply to Dubai World - the parent in the group - at all, it having been formed not under the Federal commercial laws but by Ruler's Decree. Also here was a situation where there where multiple classes of stakeholders – sukuk holders, shareholders, institutional and other lenders, foreign and domestic, and a host of trade creditors – which might not receive adequate protection or might not receive the same within a reasonable time frame given the limitations of the existing law.Finally there was the perceived need expressed in the international community (and press) for steps to be taken quickly – given the sheer size and global importance of Dubai World and the potential impact of its outright failure. But the need for speed had to be tempered with the need for the international community to see that any process put in place was based on international standards for transparency and protection of creditors' interests.Application Of The CodeThe Code is stated to apply only to Dubai World and its group companies. It does not apply to any other companies in Dubai or the UAE nor to individuals.Under Article 3 the Tribunal constituted under the Code is charged with hearing any demand or claim submitted against Dubai World or its subsidiaries, inclusive of any demand to dissolve or liquidate any group member as well as to adjudicate disputes against any person related to settlement of financial obligations of the group, its Chairman or Board of Directors as well as the employees of the group.The Code also grants the Tribunal the power to issue interim and interlocutory orders and relief, inclusive of injunctions. Significantly, by virtue of Article 9 the Dubai Courts are prohibited outright from hearing or determining any demand, claim or other matter which is within the jurisdiction of the Tribunal under the Code.The Code then effectively replaces the UAE Commercial Law, Federal Law No. 18 of 1993 and its attendant bankruptcy provisions; the UAE Commercial Company Law, Federal Law No. 8 of 1984 (as amended) and its otherwise applicable liquidation provisions; and presumably given the application of the Tribunal's jurisdiction to employees, the UAE Labour Law (Federal Law No 8 of 1980 (as amended) with the authority of the Tribunal.All of these laws are however Federal Laws. While the law might clearly apply to a decree company like Dubai World, would not the subsidiaries of Dubai World formed under applicable Federal law continue to be governed by those laws? Does the Emirate of Dubai constitutionally have the power to exempt companies within the Emirate from the application of Federal Law? While the Constitution does grant significant autonomy to each Emirate, individual Emirates may not legislate on those matters subject to federal legislative authority. Article 121 of the Constitution specifically reserves to the Federal legislature major matters relating to commer[...]

visa Rates and documents requirement in Dubai Ministerial Decision No. 322 for the Year 2008

2010-01-08T08:05:43.907-08:00

1. 90 Days Long-Term Visit Visa (Individuals)  E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsor or authorized signatories (signed and stamped) * Required documents:  Clear passport copy of the sponsor  Clear passport copy of the sponsored person  A copy of the salary certificate or employment contract of the sponsor (resident) must be attached  Proof of family relationship (kinship) Traveler insurance * Fees:  AED 1110 e-DNRD fees.  AED 1120 e-form fees  AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.  Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable  Valid for 90 days from the arrival date and non-renewable. 2. 30 Days Short-Term Visit Visa (Individuals)  E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped) *Required documents:  Clear passport copy of the sponsor.  Clear passport copy of the sponsored person  A copy of the salary certificate or employment contract of the sponsor (resident) must be attached  Proof of family relationship. Traveler insurance. * Fees :AED 610 e-DNRD fees.  AED 620 e-form fees  AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person.  Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewable Valid for 30 days from arrival date and non-renewable3. 30 Days Short-Term Visit Visa (Companies)  E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped) *Required documents:  Clear passport copy of the sponsor.  Copy of the establishment card. Traveler insuranceFees:  AED 610 e-DNRD fees.  AED 620 e-form fees AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person. Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewableValid for 30 days from the arrival date and non-renewable 4. 90 Days Long-term Visit Visa (Companies) E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped) * Required documents:  Clear passport copy of the sponsor.  Copy of the establishment card.  Traveler insuranceFees:  AED 1100 e-DNRD fees AED 1120 e-form fees AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person. Valid for 60 days from the issue date and non-renewableValid for 90 days from the arrival date and non-renewable5. Student Visa: sponsor must be one of the licensed Universities or Educational Institutions in the UAE (recognized by the Ministry of Higher Education)  E-form application (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped) * Required documents:  Clear passport copy of the sponsor Copy of the establishment card Copy of the trade license Traveler insuranceFees:  AED 1110 e-DNRD fees.  AED 1120 e-form fees AED 1000 deposit refundable upon departure of the sponsored person. 6. Medical Treatment: Medical Establishments (Public and Private) approved by the Ministry of Health or Health Authority  E-forms application form (fees paid) including clear personal photo of the sponsored person approved by the sponsors or authorized signatories (signed and stamped * Required documents:  Clear passport copy of the sponsor Copy of the establishment card Medical certificate attested by MOH or Health Authority Traveler insuranceFees:  AED 1110 e-DNRD fees AED 1120 e-form fees AED 1000 deposit, refundable upon departure of the sponsored person. Valid for 60 days from the arrival date and can be renewed twice, 60 days each:  AED 610 e-service fees. �[...]

Criteria for obtaining a health card in Dubai

2010-01-08T05:07:54.267-08:00

In order to obtain a residency visa and labour card, all expatriates are required to undergo a medical and blood test. Employers usually arrange for all the necessary paperwork.

If you are not covered by a company or private medical insurance, it is advisable to apply for a health card which entitles residents to low cost medical treatment at public hospitals and clinics. An application form can be collected from any public hospital then submitted (typed in Arabic), along with the correct documents to your local Health Care Center. The health card is valid for one year and can be renewed online.

Documents required:

Passport copy
Covering letter from sponsor
Visa application copy
2 passport size photographs
Completed application form
Fees
Citizens (card valid for 4 years)0-9 Years - AED 2510-17 Years - AED 5018 Years and Above - AED 100
Non Citizens(card valid for 1 year) 0-9 Years - AED 100 10-17 Years - AED 200 17 Years and Above - AED 300
plus AED 200/- for medical examination
For more information, please visit the Department of Health and Medical Services

Length of stay outside the UAE: (one month or return immediately?)

2010-01-08T04:47:38.502-08:00

UAE property visa questions and conflicts -Visit visa or residence visa?

2010-02-03T23:52:36.945-08:00

New property residence visas UAE

2010-02-03T23:55:30.222-08:00

'UAE committed to protecting labour rights'

2010-01-08T04:36:09.052-08:00

UAE is committed to protect rights of workers: Ghobash

2010-01-08T04:32:15.688-08:00

The UAE is very conscious of the contribution contractual workers make to its economy and in return is committed to protecting their rights and to empower them to fully benefit from their residency in the country, UAE Labour Minister H.E Saqr Ghobash affirmed yesterday. "We would like to open an honest debate about the nature and scope of essential social services that could and ought reasonably to be provided to temporary migrant workers, bearing in mind the cost-benefit implications for all involved,” Ghobash told the opening plenary session of the Global Forum on Migration and Development in Athens, Greece. The Global Forum on Migration and Development (GFMD) is an annual international meeting for voluntary, non-binding and informal discussion which investigates the methods through which migration may contribute towards development goals. The GFMD was held in Brussels in 2007 and in Manila in 2008. He said participants in this Forum need to acknowledge that migratory patterns are very diverse and that policy responses must, in consequence be flexible and adaptable. "Given the nature of its labour market needs, the UAE has a particular interest in models of migration that are labour-oriented and of a temporary or circular nature. Nevertheless, it recognizes that there is much that can be learned from good practices deriving from other, and sometimes very different models of migration. "The important thing for us is not to play up the differences between migration models to suggest that "we have our unique circumstances and you have yours" but rather to promote a common and better understanding of the various contexts and particularities that need to be taken into account in the development of sound policy, he told the gathering being held this year under the theme "Integrating migration policies into development strategies for the benefit of all'. "We need to weigh up the costs and benefits of migration from the standpoint of all stakeholders if we are to make migration truly beneficial to all. It goes without saying that, in the course of doing so, the fundamental human rights of all people are not to be considered negotiable Following is the full text of Ghobash's address to the conference: Minister of Labour, United Arab Emirates Madam Chairperson, Distinguished Delegates, Ladies and Gentlemen The theme that has been chosen for this year's Global Forum on Migration and Development, "Integrating migration policies into development strategies for the benefit of all," is both timely and relevant. In an increasingly inter-dependent world, the movement of people is not only possible but necessary to meet the goals of global development. The ultimate goal for governments should indeed be to manage it for the benefit of all. But how and by which means can participants in this Forum contribute to the achievement of this goal? In September this year, there was a spirited discussion among the Steering Group and Friends of the Forum colleagues, triggered by the current Chair's reflection paper on the "Future of the Forum", particularly on the issue of the desired outcomes of GFMD. Understandably, there is an interest on the part of all parties that this process be focused, that it be productive, non-redundant and sustainable. I should like to share with you our own thoughts about how this might best be achieved. First, in common with many other stakeholders the UAE considers that the essential value of the Forum lies in it being a platform for open and non-prescriptive sharing of views, of ideas, and especially of policy experimentation. This openness of communication needs to be maintained. It has been an essential ingredient in the GFMD's succ[...]

Unpaid workers have the right to change their employer

2010-01-08T04:30:44.902-08:00

Expats face swine flu ban after holidays abroad - Healthcare - ArabianBusiness.com

2009-07-28T03:04:54.491-07:00

Expats face swine flu ban after holidays abroad - Healthcare - ArabianBusiness.com: "Expats face swine flu ban after holidays abroad"
Expatriates in the UAE on holiday abroad will have to produce a medical certificate proving they are not infected with swine flu before returning to the country, according to a report on Tuesday.From August, any person with swine flu symptoms without the certificate would be refused entry to the UAE , said a source from the National Committee for Combating Swine Flu.

“Accordingly, any company or establishment will have the right to cancel sponsorship if the worker conceals an infection intentionally," the unnamed source was quoted as saying in a report by UAE daily Gulf News.The step was part of strict measures needed to contain the H1N1 virus, the source added.Quarantining people infected with the virus and not allowing them to come into contact with others in public locations such as markets, malls, cinemas and worship areas was vital to curbing the spread of the virus, the source said.The National Committee for Combating Swine Flu is a government organisation set up to fight the spread of the virus.

Dual residency backed by GCC immigration chiefs

2009-06-03T05:56:27.980-07:00

New visa law 'soon' for Dubai property buyers

2009-04-29T04:56:58.786-07:00

UAE Labour Law - Gratuity Calculation

2010-02-03T23:57:40.700-08:00

UAE work visas- the grace period for cancelled visa may be extended

2010-02-03T23:58:46.187-08:00

Residency visa clarity to boost realty sector

2009-03-10T02:47:10.631-07:00

Gowealthy Capital Ltd started functioning

2009-03-02T01:23:32.660-08:00

The six-month labour ban in Dubai may be revised or scrapped

2010-02-03T23:59:40.250-08:00

Six Month Immigration Ban to Continue in Dubai

2010-02-04T00:00:21.795-08:00

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