Immigration Alert: The UAE Cabinet Announces 8 Modifications

The UAE has recently announced eight new changes with a goal to improve a nation’s competitiveness in terms of economy, enhance tourism and also retain talented students.

• The mandatory bank guarantee needed for labour recruitment is being abolished and now in its place, a new and more reasonable insurance system will be introduced.
• New visa facilitation guidelines and procedures for any visitors, families, residents, and also for people overstaying their visa.
• The transit passengers will be exempted from all the entry fees for the first 48 hours. Transit visa could be extended for up to 96 hours by paying a fee of Dh50.
• People who are overstaying their visa granted can leave the country willingly and freely without requiring a “no entry” stamp on their passport.
•  A new visa, which will be applicable for 6 months is going to be introduced. It will be of great help to people looking for a job and who have stayed more than their visa, but still wish to work in the country. It’s a temporary visa to further improve UAE’s position in terms of job opportunities and offerings and make it more attractive for professionals.
• It’s also an opportunity for people who came in the country in an illegal manner to leave voluntarily with a ‘no entry’ stamp for at least two years, if they a present return ticket.
• For those who are willing to adjust and renew their existing visa, could now do so without leaving and re-entering the country.
• A resolution was also passed to empower ‘People of Determination’ so that they get an equal access to the job market.

Insurance scheme

A new insurance scheme was rolled out for employees of the private sector, which helped in reducing the cost of compulsory deposit of Dh3,000 per employee per year to Dh60. The UAE cabinet said that this new system will secure the employees’ rights especially in the private sector and it will also decrease their burden. Companies will be able to save around Dh14 billion in guarantee payments, which in turn could be invested in the further development and enhancement of their business.

The insurance policy also covers workers’ entitlements, which includes end of service benefits, overtime and holiday allowance, unpaid wages, employee’s return ticket and cases of injury at work, up to Dh20,000 per worker.

Visas

The new changes have also relaxed the penalties for people who have overstayed according to their visa and for individuals who have illegally come into the country. Earlier, these kinds of offences were handled with a re-entry ban; but now, people who overstay their visa would be offered to leave the country in a voluntary manner without a “no entry” passport stamp.

A new six-month visa is going to be introduced for people seeking a job and have stayed beyond their visa, but still want to work in the country. This temporary visa makes UAE a more attractive place for professionals and also improves opportunities and offerings it can provide.

As for people who came in UAE illegally, they also will be given a chance to leave the country voluntarily with a “no entry” stamp for about two years, provided they have a valid return ticket.

All the travellers who are going through any of the country’s airports will be exempted from the entry fees for the first 48 hours. Their transit visas could also be extended up to 96 hours by paying a cost of Dh50. The passport halls also have express counters at all airports, so that this process can be facilitated well.

Opportunities for individuals with disabilities

The UAE Cabinet also came up with a new resolution which empowered people with various disabilities, thus helping them to find jobs. This regulation gives them the required support to get equal employment opportunities in different sectors, which is in tandem with the Government’s social development programmes for all segments of the society.

The UAE Cabinet also decided to set up headquarters for the Asian Paralympic Committee in the UAE, which would serve as a sports hub in this region and also offer various training courses for people with disabilities.

So in case you are looking for PRO services in Dubai or Dubai residence visa services, do contact us. Our professionals at IMC can help you with all your queries and you are assured to get a hassle-free experience.