IMPACT – MEDIUM

The United Arab Emirates updated its travel requirements for individuals arriving from India and five other countries.

Key Points:

  • All passengers with a valid UAE residence visa may travel to and through Dubai from India, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Uganda if they meet the following requirements:
    • Dubai visa holders must apply for pre-entry approval through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs.
    • Travelers must have a valid COVID-19 PCR test certificate conducted within 48 hours of departure.
    • Travelers must conduct a rapid PCR test 4 hours before their scheduled departure.
    • Travelers must conduct a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai.
  • UAE citizens are now exempt from the above requirements except for completing a PCR test upon arrival in Dubai.
  • UAE residents flying from any of the above countries no longer need a COVID-19 vaccination certificate to enter Dubai.

Additional Information: All other individuals who have been in one of the aforementioned countries within 14 days of intended arrival are barred from entering Dubai. Only PCR tests from certified labs that issue QR codes linking to the original results will be accepted.

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 © 2021 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 United Arab Emirates extended its travel ban for passenger flights from India until at least Aug. 7.

Key Points:

  • Passenger flights from India are suspended until at least Aug. 7. Travelers who have transited through India within 14 days of intended arrival will not be permitted entry into the country.
  • UAE citizens, golden visa permit holders, members of diplomatic missions and travelers on business flights who adhere to the revised COVID-19 policies are exempted from the restrictions.

Additional Information: Individuals who are traveling from or have transited through Bangladesh, Pakistan or Sri Lanka within 14 days of intended arrival are also barred from entering the country until at least Aug. 7.

BAL Analysis: Passenger flights from India have been suspended since April 24. Those with urgent travel needs should work closely with their immigration provider to discuss the best available options. 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 © 2021 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 United Arab Emirates’ National Program for Coders announced it would start accepting Golden Visa applications from computer programming entrepreneurs and start-ups.

Key Points:

  • Golden Visas through the National Program for Coders are now available to residents and non-residents of the UAE.
  • Foreign nationals may apply for the Golden Visa through the Office of Artificial Intelligence or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship if they meet one of the following eligibility requirements.
    • They have a university degree in artificial intelligence, big data, data science, computer science, electrical engineering, hardware engineering, information technology or software engineering.
    • They are distinguished experts with proven success in coding.
    • They work for a leading international technology firm.

Additional Information: The new announcement coincides with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s directive to attract 100,000 computer coders and establish 1,000 major digital companies in the UAE over the next five years. More information about the Golden Visa can be found here.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 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 United Arab Emirates extended its travel ban for passenger flights from India until at least July 21.

Key Points:

  • Passenger flights from India are suspended until at least July 21. Travelers who have transited through India within 14 days of intended arrival will not be permitted entry into the country.
  • UAE citizens, Golden Visa holders, members of diplomatic missions and travelers on business flights who adhere to the revised COVID-19 policies are exempted from the restrictions.

Additional Information: Individuals who are traveling from or have transited through Bangladesh, Pakistan and Sri Lanka within 14 days of intended arrival are also barred from entering the country until at least July 21.

BAL Analysis: Passenger flights from India have been suspended since April 24. Those with urgent travel needs should work closely with their immigration provider to discuss the best available options. 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 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 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 Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has started transitioning to a new version of the Emirates Identity Card as of June 10.

Key Points:

  • Residents applying to renew their Emirates Identity Card must use an electronic version of the card until printed cards are issued.
  • The electronic version of the ID is available on the “ICA UAE Smart” application

Additional Information: Utilizing a QR code within the app, data generated from the code is pulled directly from the ICA’s database, which allows service authorities the ability to verify residents’ identity when the printed card is not available.

BAL Analysis: Foreign nationals needing to renew their Emirates Identity Card will need to download the ICA UAE Smart app in order to access the electronic version of the ID.

This alert has been provided by Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@balglobal.com.

Copyright © 2021 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@balglobal.com.

IMPACT – MEDIUM

The United Arab Emirates has extended its travel ban for passenger flights from India until at least July 6.

Key Points:

  • Passenger flights from India are suspended until at least July 6. Travelers who have transited through India within 14 days of intended arrival will not be permitted entry into the country.
  • UAE citizens, golden visa permit holders and members of diplomatic missions who adhere to the revised COVID-19 policies are exempted from the restrictions.

BAL Analysis: Passenger flights from India have been suspended since April 24. Those with urgent travel needs should work closely with their immigration provider to discuss the best available options. 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 Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 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

Abu Dhabi recently updated its green countries list to include six additional countries, amended entry policies and announced it would end its mandatory quarantine policy for all international arrivals on July 1.

Key Points:                    

  • On May 23, Azerbaijan, Germany, Kyrgyzstan, Moldova, Spain and the U.S. were added to the list of 29 green countries. Travelers from these countries are not required to undergo the mandatory 10-day quarantine upon arrival. The full list of green countries is available here.
  • Effective on July 1, Abu Dhabi will end its quarantine requirements for all international arrivals.
  • Under current rules, vaccinated UAE citizens and residents of Abu Dhabi arriving from green countries are required to take a PCR test on arrival and on day six of their stay but are not required to quarantine.
    • The rule applies to travelers who have received their second dose of the vaccine at least 28 days prior to traveling to Abu Dhabi. Travelers must document their medical history on the Al Hosn application.
  • Vaccinated UAE citizens and residents of Abu Dhabi arriving from countries that are not on the green list must take a PCR test upon arrival and on day four of their stay as well as quarantine for five days.
  • Non-vaccinated UAE citizens and residents of Abu Dhabi arriving from green countries must take a PCR test upon arrival and on day six and day 12 of their stay but are not required to quarantine.
  • Non-vaccinated UAE citizens and residents of Abu Dhabi arriving from other countries must take a PCR test upon arrival and on day eight of their stay as well as quarantine for ten days.

Additional Information: Passenger flights from India will remain suspended until at least July 6. Travelers who have transited through India within 14 days of intended arrival into the UAE will not be permitted entry.

Analysis & Comments: 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 Berry Appleman & Leiden. For additional information, please contact berryapplemanleiden@bal.com.

Copyright © 2021 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 United Arab Emirates has extended its travel restrictions for passenger flights from India until June 14. In addition, restrictions remain in place on travel from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka indefinitely. Travel also remains restricted from Nigeria and South Africa.

Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka

  • Flights from India are suspended until June 14.
  • Flights from Bangladesh, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka are suspended until further notice.
  • Travelers who have transited through Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka within 14 days of intended arrival will not be allowed to enter the country.
  • UAE nationals, golden-visa holders and members of diplomatic missions are exempt from the above restrictions provided they adhere to other COVID-19 protocols.

Nigeria and South Africa

  • Travel to/from Nigeria is still suspended until further notice.
  • Travel from South Africa is suspended until June 30.
  • Travelers who have transited through Nigeria or South Africa within 14 days of intended arrival will not be allowed to enter the country. UAE nationals and members of diplomatic missions are exempt from the above restrictions provided they adhere to other COVID-19 protocols.

Analysis & Comments: The restrictions make travel more difficult for anyone who has been in any of the countries listed above. Those with urgent travel needs should work closely with their immigration provider to discuss the best available options. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States, which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA-UAE) recently announced a new 6-month visa option for those finalizing Golden Visa residency procedures.

Key Points:

  • The new 6-month multiple-entry visa can be renewed once if more time is needed to complete the Golden Visa process.
  • Among those who may qualify for the visa are:
    • Entrepreneurs.
    • Inventors.
    • Investors.
    • Outstanding high school and university students.
    • Ph.D. holders.
    • Doctors and scientists.
    • Athletes.
    • Creative specialists in culture and the arts.

Analysis & Comments: This 6-month visa may significantly benefit individuals who intend to travel frequently to the UAE throughout Golden Visa application process. Those interested in applying for a Golden Visa or the new 6-month visa are encouraged to work closely with Deloitte.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2021. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

The Cabinet of the United Arab Emirates recently approved plans for remote visas and a five-year tourist visa.

Key Points:

  • Remote work visa. The remote work visa will be a one-year visa that will allow foreign nationals to live and work in the UAE, even if their company is based elsewhere. Applicants will not need to be sponsored by a UAE-based employer. Dubai launched a similar program in October; it will now be rolled out across the UAE. Additional information, including an implementation date, is expected soon.
  • Five-year tourist visa. The five-year tourist visas will be valid for multiple entries and for stays of up to 90 days, extendable for an additional 90 days. The visas will be available to all nationalities, at the discretion of UAE authorities. Authorities first introduced five-year visas last year, but they were suspended because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Analysis & Comments: The remote work visas will present an opportunity for employers and employees, particularly with the growth in the non-traditional workforce. Remote work programs carry a number of compliance risks, however, and applicants are encouraged to consult with Deloitte to assess whether the remote work visa is a good option for them.

The five-year tourist visas, meanwhile, will make travel to the UAE easier for frequent visitors. Travelers are reminded, however, that work activities are not permitted on tourist visas.

Rest of World Source: Deloitte. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited (“DTTL”), its global network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL (also referred to as “Deloitte Global”) and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL does not provide services to clients. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more. Deloitte Legal means the legal practices of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited member firms or their affiliates that provide legal services. For legal, regulatory and other reasons, not all member firms provide legal services. This includes Deloitte Tax LLP in the United States which does not provide legal and/or immigration advice or services. This communication contains general information only, and none of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, its member firms or their related entities (collectively, the “Deloitte network”) is, by means of this communication, rendering professional advice or services. Before making any decision or taking any action that may affect your finances or your business, you should consult a qualified professional adviser. No entity in the Deloitte network shall be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any person who relies on this communication. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.