FILE PHOTO: Travellers at the Dubai International Airport, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates January 29, 2020. REUTERS/Christopher Pike
DUBAI: The UAE has announced some new visa rules called the "Advanced Visa System," which will come into effect on October 3.
The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) said that among the major changes in the new rules are longer visit visas for tourists, long-term residency for sought-after professionals, and easy access to the 10-year golden visa initiative, according to the updates announced at a press event in Abu Dhabi on Monday.
In addition, golden visa holders who stay outside the country will not have their permits canceled. People who cancel their residency visas will have a six-month grace period to stay in the country. Previously, people were allowed only one month.
The rules, which were approved by the Cabinet in April, are now in a pilot phase until they come into effect in four weeks, Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported.
The ICP also launched the new version of the UAE passport. Current passport holders whose passports have expired can apply for a new one through ICP's website or smart app or the country's embassies and consulates.
The new passport has enhanced security features such as a polycarbonate data page made using complicated spectrum patterns.
The visa changes represent one of the biggest shake-ups of the country’s immigration policy in years.
The new visas include a standard 60-day entry permit, rather than the 30 days at present, and a five-year, multi-entry tourist visa that allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days in a row.
The UAE will also introduce five-year green visas, which are aimed at skilled workers, freelancers, and the self-employed, and a job exploration entry visa for degree holders that does not require a sponsor or a host.
Parents can sponsor their male children until the age of 25, up from 18, allowing them to remain in the UAE after school and university.
The golden visa initiative will also be expanded, as skilled professionals on salaries of Dh30,000 ($8,100), a month or more will find it easier to secure a 10-year visa.
