IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Emirati government has announced that it plans to launch a new electronic visa platform in the beginning of October.

Key Points:

  • Emirati authorities plan to upgrade their online visa platform Oct. 3, allowing foreign nationals to apply for visa services, including but not limited to tourists visas, job seekers visas and visa extensions, through an online platform.
  • Foreign nationals will be able to submit applications through this website.
  • Employers registered in certain Emirates, including Dubai and Abu Dhabi, will continue to use the local electronic platform when applying for visa services.

Additional Information: Emirati authorities have yet to say if the new electronic visa platform will include the option to apply for the Green visa.

BAL Analysis: The Emirati government plans to expand its electronic visa platform to streamline visa application processes and reduce processing times. More information will be provided as it becomes available.

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

Copyright © 2022 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.

The Qatari government has eased COVID-19 entry requirements.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals are no longer required to quarantine upon arrival.
  • Foreign national visitors must have proof of a negative PCR test taken within 48 hours before departure or a negative RAT test taken within 24 before departure to enter the country. Self-administered RAT tests will not be accepted as a form of proof to enter the country.
  • Travelers arriving in Qatar must download and activate the Ehteraz app on their mobile phones upon entering the country.
  • Travelers who are not Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) nationals or residents must complete the pre-entry registration process through this website within three days before arrival.

BAL Analysis: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and BAL will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

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

Copyright © 2022 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.

The Emirati government will allow foreign nationals traveling for the 2022 World Cup to apply for multiple-entry tourist visas to enter the United Arab Emirates.

Key Points:

  • Beginning Nov. 1, foreign nationals who hold a Hayya Card to enter Qatar for the 2022 World Cup will be allowed to apply for a multiple-entry tourist visa to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days.
  • Multiple-entry tourist visa holders will be able to apply for an additional 90-day extension and will be able to enter and exit the country while their visa is valid.
  • Individuals will not be required to travel to Qatar before arriving in the UAE on the multiple-entry tourist visa.

Additional Information: Beginning Nov. 1, foreign nationals must have a Hayya Card, or special identification card, to enter Qatar. In order to obtain a Hayya Card, applicants will need to show that they have tickets for a World Cup match between Nov. 20 and Dec. 18 and accommodations for their time in Qatar.

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals who hold a Hayya Card and are traveling to Qatar for the 2022 World Cup will be able to apply for multiple-entry tourist visas to enter the UAE beginning Nov. 1. UAE authorities are expected to provide application instructions for the visa in the coming months.

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

Copyright © 2022 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.

The Emirati government has announced that it will introduce a new passport in September.

Key Points:

  • On Sept. 1, Emirati nationals will be able to apply for a new version of the UAE’s passport.
  • The new passport will include new security and technology features designed to protect Emirati nationals’ identities and reduce falsification and forgery.
  • Emirati nationals will be allowed to use their old passport until its expiration date and are not required to apply for the new version immediately.
  • The Emirati government encourages its citizens to submit passport renewal applications through this website within six months of their current passport’s expiration date.

Additional Information: More information regarding the UAE’s decision to introduce a new passport is available here.

BAL Analysis: Emirati authorities introduced the new passport with intent to safeguard its citizens identities and reduce passport falsifications and fraudulent activities. Emirati nationals should apply for passport renewals within six months of its expiration date to avoid delays or complications.

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

Copyright © 2022 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.

The Emirati government has begun issuing electronic residence permits at the Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC).

Key Points:

  • As of June 13, the DIFC issues electronic residence permits instead of collecting and stamping foreign nationals’ passports.
  • The DIFC joins Jebel Ali Free Zone (JAFZA) as the two regions within the emirate of Dubai to issue electronic residence stamps.
  • Employees must now wait to receive their physical Emirates ID card to travel internationally.

Additional Information: Authorities combined the residence and identity card applications 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 cancelation of residency visa stamps is available here.

BAL Analysis: The DIFC will issue electronic residence permits within intent 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.

Copyright © 2022 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Emirati government has announced that it will begin classifying private companies into three tiers based on their compliance with directives.

Key Points:

  • Beginning June 1, private companies will be categorized into three tiers depending on how they meet law and wage protection requirements, protect workers’ rights and promote diversity.
  • Work permit costs will be determined by the company’s classification.
  • Companies will be classified as Tier 1 if they meet certain criteria, including:
    • Raising the Emiratization rate at least three times above the target.
    • Training at least 500 UAE nationals annually.
    • Being a business owned by a young UAE national.
    • Being a training center that promotes cultural diversity.
    • Being active in targeted sectors and activities determined by Emirati authorities.
  • Information regarding criteria for Tier 2 is available here and for Tier 3 here.

Additional Information: More information regarding the UAE’s new classification system is available here.

BAL Analysis: Employers should check their Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) profile on June 1 to determine their tier level.

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

Copyright © 2022 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Emirati government has announced that it will fine employers who do not meet the new Emiratization requirements by 2023.

Key Points:

  • Beginning in January 2023, companies that do not meet the Emiratization requirements will be required to pay 6,000 AED per month for every Emirati citizen not employed at the required level.
  • Fines are set to increase 1,000 AED every year after 2023.
  • Under the Emiratization program, companies that have more than 50 employees and have high-skilled jobs must increase the percentage of Emiratis hired 2% annually until 2026.

Additional Information: The UAE government has announced the Emiratization program to increase the number of Emirati nationals employed in the private sector by 10% in the next five years. More information regarding the UAE’s Emiratization requirement is available here.

BAL Analysis: Employers should plan ahead to ensure they meet the new employment requirements to avoid fines.

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

Copyright © 2022 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Emirati government has launched a new 60-day job exploration visa.

Key Points:

  • Foreign nationals who are classified as first, second or third skill level by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) and have a bachelor’s degree can now apply for a job exploration visa.
  • Applicants will not need to be sponsored by a host or sponsor to receive the visa. Previously, individuals who applied for similar visas were required to be sponsored by a business or individual in the United Arab Emirates.
  • Individuals will be able to conduct job interviews, meetings, business opportunities, such as setting a company.

Additional Information: More information on how the MoHRE classifies skill level is available here.

BAL Analysis: The Emirati government has launched the new visa with intent to attract more young talent and skilled professionals to explore job opportunities available in the UAE.

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

Copyright © 2022 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.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The Emirati government will allow certain Ukrainian nationals to apply for a one-year residency visa.

Key Points:

  • As of April 12, Ukrainian nationals can apply for a one-year residency permit in the United Arab Emirates through Tasheel centers.
  • To be eligible for the one-year residency permit, Ukrainian nationals must have been present in the UAE before the war in Ukraine began and have a(n):
    • Copy of their passport with at least six months validity and a color headshot.
    • Medical report.
    • Copy of a health insurance policy.
    • Emirates ID application form to be completed at a Tasheel center.
  • Ukrainian nationals who have been in the UAE for more than 40 days are exempt from paying overstay fines.

Additional Information: Ukrainian nationals continue to have visa-free entry upon arrival in the UAE.

BAL Analysis: The UAE’s decision to offer one-year residence permits to eligible Ukrainian nationals is welcome news as authorities had previously announced they would not offer such protections. Ukrainian nationals who receive the one-year residency permit will be able to live and work in the UAE.

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

Copyright © 2022 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.

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.

Copyright © 2022 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.