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IMPACT – MEDIUM
What is the change? The Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA) has begun requiring copies of medical insurance cards with visa applications, and in particular visa renewals.
What does the change mean? UAE residents submitting visa applications with DCCA should be prepared to provide copies of medical insurance cards in order to have visa applications processed.
Background: In Dubai, all individuals, including foreign employees, must be covered by health insurance from a Dubai Health Authority-approved provider. This requirement has immigration as well as legal consequences, as authorities in Dubai have begun imposing fines for residents who lack insurance onto visa renewal or cancellation fees. DCCA authorities recently began turning visa applicants away if they did not provide a copy of their health insurance card with their application. Dependents of UAE residents must be provided health insurance as well, but, so far, evidence of dependent health insurance has not been checked in the visa process. This is expected to change by December.
BAL Analysis: Companies should take note of the change and make sure all employees have insurance and provide a copy of their health insurance card when submitting visa applications. Those who fail to do so risk having their applications rejected.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in the United Arab Emirates. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
Copyright © 2017 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
What is the change? The United Arab Emirates has implemented an agreement that allows Indian nationals holding U.S. green cards or visas to enter the UAE without first obtaining an entry visa.
What does the change mean? Effective immediately, Indian nationals holding U.S. green cards or visas that are valid for at least six months can travel to the UAE for business or tourism and obtain a visa on arrival that is good for up to 14 days.
Background: As BAL reported last month, the UAE and India agreed to the visa-on-arrival agreement in late March. The agreement took effect May 1, allowing eligible Indian nationals to remain in the UAE for up to 14 days on a visa on arrival. Those who intend to stay longer than 14 days may obtain an extension for a charge.
BAL Analysis: The change simplifies the visa process for eligible Indian nationals traveling for business or as tourists to the UAE.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
What is the change? United Arab Emirates authorities have announced that Indian nationals holding U.S. green cards or visas that are valid for at least six months will soon be permitted to enter the UAE without first obtaining a UAE entry visa.
What does the change mean? Once the program is implemented, eligible Indian nationals will be able to travel to the UAE for business or tourism purposes and obtain a visa on arrival that is good for up to 14 days and renewable once in country.
Background: Under the new program, eligible Indian nationals will be allowed to remain in the UAE for up to 14 days on a visa on arrival. Those who intend to stay longer than 14 days may obtain an extension for a charge.
BAL Analysis: The change will simplify the visa process for eligible Indian nationals traveling for business or as tourists to the UAE. Because the agreement has not been fully implemented, however, eligible Indian nationals should check with BAL before traveling to the UAE in anticipation of receiving a visa on arrival.
Middle East Expert Hadi Allawi Leads Team of Immigration Professionals
March 14, 2017 – Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) announced today it has officially opened its new regional head office in Dubai. BAL previously announced that Hadi Allawi had been hired as Managing Director, Middle East and North Africa (MENA) from the firm’s London office. Allawi now manages a UAE-based team of experienced professionals dedicated to immigration matters in the MENA region, and is responsible for the strategic positioning and growth of the firm in the region.
Allawi is a recognized MENA expert specializing in business strategy, intelligence and geopolitical risk analysis across multiple industries. Prior to joining BAL, Allawi led the MENA desk of a London-based specialist advisory firm assisting major multinational companies with operations in the region.
“BAL recognizes the importance of the Middle East to our clients, and it is an exciting time to be able to partner with them in a more direct manner,” said BAL managing partner Jeremy Fudge. “Dubai is the starting point for BAL’s presence in the region and we expect to expand our footprint in line with demand.”
“Clients always expect the highest level of service when working with BAL,” said Allawi. “I am delighted to open BAL’s first office in the Middle East. As immigration challenges increase in the region, BAL will be optimally positioned to advise on mobility strategies and immigration issues.”
“We recognize that the Middle East poses unique challenges best addressed by on-site experts. Hadi and his team understand the nuances of the region’s immigration processes and will hone efficiencies and compliance,” said Emily King, Managing Director, Europe.
Media Contact: Emily Albrecht Senior Director — Marketing & Communications ealbrecht@bal.com 469-559-0174
What is the change? The United Arab Emirates has opened an immigration center dedicated to receiving and processing cases that require special approval, including female applicants sponsoring their spouse or children, individuals sponsoring their parents, and humanitarian cases.
What does the change mean? Cases requiring special approval must be submitted at the Al Awir Immigration Centre in Dubai.
Next steps: Applications to the Al Awir center are submitted at typing centers only; free zone portals do not contain an option to sponsor a husband or parent. Applicants may apply at any immigration office typing center and await an interview date at Al Awir, or they may apply at the Al Awir typing center (although it is known to be crowded). Affected individuals should work with their B·A·L legal team to prepare for their appointment with appropriate documents and other filing requirements.
Background: The Al Awir Immigration Centre opened two months ago to handle cases requiring special approval. Sponsors in such cases will be asked for the following documents:
In addition, for a parent’s visa, an affidavit of the relationship from the local embassy must be obtained and attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. For a parent’s visa for an Arab nationality, a copy of a family book is required.
Upon approval of the application, a security deposit of 5,040 dirhams must be paid to the government Immigration Office.
B·A·L Analysis: The new location conducts a layer of screening to these cases that adds two weeks to normal processing times. Affected sponsors should be aware that Al Awir is located in an isolated area, and because of the limited size of the center they must attend their appointment without a representative.
Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. All rights reserved. Reprinting or digital redistribution to the public is permitted only with the express written permission of Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For inquiries please contact copyright@bal.com.
What is the change? The United Arab Emirates is now requiring that Nigerian nationals provide additional documentation when applying for entry visas.
What does the change mean? The new requirements are being imposed to ensure that UAE employers are meeting their tax obligations with regard to Nigerian employees.
Background: Nigerian visa applicants must include personal bank statements for the previous three months, credit card information and confirmed hotel booking, and couples whose surnames differ must include a copy of a marriage certificate. The documents should be submitted in JPG format not exceeding 375 KB.
Additionally, new restrictions on visa validity apply to Nigerian nationals. The maximum duration for an individual is 14 days, and the maximum for family members traveling together is 30 days. Applications for 96-hour visas must be submitted with proof of a visa for the onward destination country. Business visas cannot be extended in-country and travelers must leave the UAE to apply for a new visa.
BAL Analysis: UAE employers should be aware of the new restrictions for Nigerian employees and assignees.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group and our network provider located in Nigeria. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.
What is the change? The Mid-Autumn Festival that marks the autumn full-moon harvest will be observed in China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan and a number of other Asian countries this month.
What does the change mean? Government and private offices will close. Applicants should expect delays in work permit processing and other services. The holiday lasts one to three days, depending on the country. Offices will be closed on the following days:
Background: The Mid-Autumn Festival is traditionally a celebration of the autumn harvest when the moon is at its fullest and brightest stage of the year. In China, Hong Kong and Taiwan, families observe the full moon while thinking of distant relatives, and eat “moon cakes” filled with sweet bean or lotus filling. In South Korea, families commemorate their ancestors, visit tombs and eat rice cakes and drink rice wine made from the new bounty.
BAL Analysis: Employers should anticipate delays during the holidays and file applications beforehand where possible.
This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in Singapore. For additional information, please contact singapore@bal.com.
About Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP Founded in 1980, Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) provides comprehensive global immigration services from six offices across the U.S. and from offices in Geneva, London, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. BAL manages global visa matters and customized application approaches for work permits, business visas, and residence permits in more than 100 countries. With a single cost center for worldwide operations, BAL offers centralized management with regional and local support for the complete spectrum of global immigration matters.
Source: Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP
IMPACT – HIGH
What is the change? The United Arab Emirates has changed the way it calculates the validity of visas on arrival such that the validity period does not restart when the visa holder exits the country.
What does the change mean? Under the change, 30-day visas on arrival will remain valid for 40 days from the date of issuance (30 days plus a 10-day grace period), regardless of whether the visa holder leaves the UAE or not. Those who remain in the UAE past the 40-day period, even if they have left the country in the interim, will face a penalty of 200 dirhams (about US$55) plus 100 dirhams for each day of overstay.
Background: The new rule appears to have been put in place this summer without an official announcement. The change will primarily affect frequent travelers to the UAE who are eligible for 30-day visas on arrival. The visas are available to nationals of the following countries:
Under the new rules, the visas will effectively function as a 40-day, multiple-entry visa. A visa issued on Sept. 1, for example, would only remain valid through Oct. 10 (40 days later), even if the foreign national leaves and re-enters the UAE in the interim. In this scenario, the only way for foreign nationals to reset the validity on their visa validity would be to apply for a renewal or to leave the UAE on or before Oct. 10 and re-enter on or after Oct. 11, once the 40-day period ends.
BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals visiting the UAE on a 30-day visa on arrival should take note of the change in how visa validity is calculated. Those who do not renew their visas when necessary may accumulate steep fines quickly, as fines of 100 dirhams per day will be added on to an initial 200 dirham fine.
Follow us on Twitter: @BAL_Immigration
About Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP Founded in 1980, Berry Appleman & Leiden (BAL) provides comprehensive global immigration services from seven offices across the U.S. and from offices in Geneva, London, Melbourne, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Shanghai, Singapore and Sydney. BAL manages global visa matters and customized application approaches for work permits, business visas, and residence permits in more than 100 countries. With a single cost center for worldwide operations, BAL offers centralized management with regional and local support for the complete spectrum of global immigration matters.
What is the change? Authorities in the United Arab Emirates have eliminated the option of placing family residence visas “on hold,” making it more difficult in some cases for family members to stay in the UAE if principal visa holders change jobs.
What does the change mean? The change will not affect family members of principal visa holders who change jobs within UAE free zones. It will, however, impact family members of visa holders who change jobs where either the new job or the old one is outside of a free zone. In such instances, family members who have their visas cancelled will have 30 days from the time of the cancellation to leave the UAE.
Background: Foreign nationals who switch employers in the UAE often have to cancel their initial visas and apply for new ones unless they are eligible for a visa transfer within free zones. In the past, family members of principal visa holders could have their visas put on hold, meaning authorities would freeze their visa status and reinstate family visas once the principal visa holder’s new residence visa was issued.
This is no longer an option. Family residence visa holders now have their visas cancelled before the principal applicant and are given only 30 days from that point to remain in the country.
The change will not affect family members of residence visa holders who obtain visa transfers within free zones because usually under these circumstances neither the principal nor dependents have their visas cancelled. Given that it often takes more than 30 days to apply for and obtain a new visa, however, family members who are affected may be required to leave the UAE while the principal visa holder’s application is pending.
BAL Analysis: Given that many foreign nationals who change jobs do so within UAE free zones, the impact of the change is limited. For those it does affect, however, the change makes it more difficult to keep family in the UAE when switching jobs. Family members who stay more than 30 days after their visas are cancelled risk steep overstay fees and are advised to leave the country if visas cannot be renewed within the 30-day window.
What is the change? In the last phase of Dubai’s health insurance law, all individuals, including foreign employees and their family members, must be covered by a health plan by June 30.
What does the change mean? All employers are required to cover employees and are encouraged to cover family members of employees. Family members of employees who are not covered by their employers must purchase health insurance coverage. Visas and work permits will not be issued or renewed if an individual does not have health insurance.
Background: Dubai passed the mandatory health insurance law in 2013 and began implementing it in three stages since late 2014 with the goal of covering all 3 million Dubai residents, including expatriates and their family members. Some free zones have already implemented the law since 2015.
BAL Analysis: Employers who do not offer health insurance to employees should develop plans to do so as soon as possible. Employers and individuals found in violation of the health insurance law are subject to monetary fines ranging AED 500 to 150,000 (US $135 to $40,000).