IMPACT — MEDIUM

The Emirati government recently amended its visa policies for foreign nationals applying for a visit visa extension.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals needing to extend their visit visas are now required to leave the country to apply for an extension.
  • Previously, individuals were permitted to stay in the country while they applied for a visit visa extension because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Immigration authorities will now only issue visit visas valid for 30 or 60 days (decreased from 90 days).

BAL Analysis: Emirati authorities are once again requiring foreign nationals to leave the country when applying for a visit visa extension. Authorities had temporarily lifted this policy during the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing foreign nationals to stay in the UAE while they applied for an extension; however as the virus situation has improved, authorities determined the policy was no longer needed.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

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