Emirates ID to replace residency visa stamp

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Emirati government has announced that it will suspend the issuance of residency visa stamps to foreign nationals.

Key Points:

• Beginning April 11, the Emirati immigration authorities will no longer issue residency visa stamps to foreign nationals who have residency in the United Arab Emirates.
• Foreign residents will be able to use their Emirates ID card to prove their residency status instead of the residency visa stamp.

Additional Information: Residence and identity card applications will be joined together under one application; foreign nationals will only need to submit one application for the issuance or renewal of residence and identity card services. More information regarding the UAE’s suspension of issuing residency visa stamps is available here.

BAL Analysis: The UAE’s decision to no longer issue residency visa stamps is intended to streamline the residency renewal process and mitigate unnecessary delays in the application process.

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

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