IMPACT – HIGH

The United Arab Emirates recently announced that it would invite some foreign nationals to apply for citizenship.

The change follows efforts in recent years to make long-term residency available to top foreign talent, as the UAE moves to solidify its reputation as a destination for foreign business and investment. For now, the citizenship program is only open to foreign nationals who are nominated by the Federal Cabinet, the Ruler’s Office or an Executive Council within an Emirate.

Among those who may be eligible:

  • Doctors and specialists with at least 10 years’ experience in a field or discipline that is in demand in the UAE.
  • Scientists at a university or private sector research institution who have at least 10 years’ experience in their field.
  • Investors who own property in the UAE.
  • Inventors with at least one patent approved by the UAE Ministry of Economy or another reputable international body.
  • Creative individuals, such as authors or artists, who are pioneers in their field.

In many cases, applicants will have to show that they have earned international recognition or awards for their work. Some applications will have to be supported by letters of recommendation. More information on eligibility requirements are available here. Requirements are subject to change and citizenship decisions will be made at the discretion of the UAE government.

Those whom the UAE grants citizenship to will be able to maintain their current nationality and become dual citizens. The UAE will permit successful citizenship applicants to sponsor their immediate family members for citizenship as well.

Analysis & Comments: The change is a significant development for the UAE, which, up until now, had significant restrictions on foreign nationals becoming citizens, including the need to renounce any existing nationalities and passports; under these reforms, second nationalities are permitted. The program will offer a limited number of foreign nationals to obtain UAE citizenship. For now, the program is only open to those whom UAE governmental bodies sponsor. Employers with employees who may be eligible for citizenship may wish to consult 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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

Officials in Dubai have announced that General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) approval is no longer required for Dubai visa holders returning to Dubai.

Key Points:

  • Previously, Dubai visa holders returning to Dubai from abroad were required to obtain GDRFA approval. A system was established in June of 2020 to apply for this approval.
  • Though GDRFA approval is no longer required for Dubai visa holders returning to Dubai, many testing, travel and health protocols remain in place. More information about these requirements is available here.

Analysis & Comments: The removal of the pre-travel approval requirement will make it easier for Dubai visa holders abroad to return to Dubai. The response to COVID-19 continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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.

 

 

IMPACT – HIGH

The United Arab Emirates government recently announced that foreign students in the UAE will be permitted to sponsor their family members so they can obtain residency visas to live in the UAE.

Key Points:

  • The new residency policy will allow eligible family members who live outside the UAE to join their relatives who are currently studying there. The UAE residence visa will be sponsored by the students for the duration of their education.
  • Family members of foreign students in the UAE must have sufficient income to be sponsored to live in the UAE.

Analysis & Comments: The change is welcome news that could help draw students to the UAE because they will soon be able to bring their family members. Additional information on an implementation date, the types of family members who will be covered and on the income requirements is expected soon.

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.

 

 

IMPACT – HIGH

United Arab Emirates residents with valid residence visas who have remained out of the country for more than 180 days have been given until March 31 to return to the UAE.

Key Points:                            

  • Holders of valid residence visas issued in Dubai must receive approval to return from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs before booking their flights. Visa validity can be checked on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website.
  • Holders of valid residence visas granted by other emirates must verify their re-entry on the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website before booking their return flights.
  • Holders of UAE resident visas that expired before March 1, 2020, or expired after March 1, 2020 and were extended until Dec. 31, 2020, must apply for new visas in order to enter the UAE.

Additional information: Travelers entering the UAE are subject to COVID-19 testing and health protocols, details about them are available here.

Analysis & Comments: Employers may wish to consult with Deloitte to discuss their plans if they intend to have employees return. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

The United Arab Emirates has announced that it will expand its Golden Visa program.

Key Points:

  • The UAE authorities have announced that, effective Dec. 1, the eligibility requirements for the 5-10 year Golden Visa will be expanded to the following individuals:
    • PhD holders
    • Physicians
    • Computer and programming engineers
    • Electrical engineers and biotechnology engineers
    • College and university graduates with degrees in artificial intelligence, certain data fields, epidemiology, virology
    • Graduates of UAE-accredited universities with grade point averages of 3.8 or greater
    • Top UAE high school graduates and their families
  • Details of the application process are yet to be announced, in particular, whether applicants will require government nomination or they can submit an application directly to the relevant authorities for consideration.

Additional Information: The UAE is expected to add additional categories to the Golden Visa program soon.

Analysis & Comments: The expansion of the Golden Visa program will provide work and residence opportunities for a number of advanced degree holders, high-skilled professionals and top-performing students. At this stage, the UAE authorities are yet to release the details required to assess whether the Golden visa will provide a beneficial alternative work permit option for employers in the UAE. Deloitte will provide a further update and analysis when this 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. © 2020. For information, contact Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited.

IMPACT – HIGH

The government of Dubai has launched a Virtual Working Program enabling eligible foreign professionals and business owners to work remotely from Dubai for up to one year. Applicants will be able to bring their family members and access all services in Dubai, including schooling.

Key Points:

  • The applicant must have:
  • Proof of employment from current overseas employer with a one year contract validity or proof of ownership of company for at least one year
  • An average monthly income of US$5,000 per month
  • Health insurance with valid UAE coverage.

Analysis & Comments: The Dubai Virtual Working Program presents a unique opportunity for employers who are navigating unprecedented challenges to mobility of talent due to COVID-19 as well as a growth in the non-traditional workforce. However, the program also introduces a number of compliance risks, among them are that Virtual Working Program status holders will not be permitted to work for a local company. Employers should consult with their immigration provider and relevant experts to strategize and assess potential risks.

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.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

The United Arab Emirates extended the amnesty period for residents with visas that expired before March 1.

Key Points:

  • Previously, residents with visas that expired before March 1 had until Aug. 18 to leave the country without having to pay a fine. Now they have until Nov. 17.
  • Such residents can also leave the UAE during the amnesty period without being banned from re-entering the country in the future.
  • Residents with expired visas who wish to leave the country should cancel their expired visas prior to departure. Their visa cancellation documents will show the grace period they have to exit the country.

Additional information: The UAE also made it possible last month for foreign residents in the country with expired visas to renew them until Oct. 10. A toll-free number has been established to answer amnesty-related questions: 800 453.

Analysis & Comments: Allowing residents with visas that expired before March 1 to leave the country without paying fines and without being banned from future re-entry is intended to provide relief to them during the COVID-19 pandemic conditions. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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.

IMPACT – HIGH

The United Arab Emirates recently made it possible for inbound air travelers to obtain pre-flight COVID-19 PCR tests outside the UAE.

Key Points:

  • All air travelers, including residents, citizens, foreign nationals and those transiting through the airport, are still required to be tested for COVID-19 within 96 hours of traveling to the UAE and present a negative PCR test result report to the airline they are flying with before boarding. Where the UAE has listed designated labs in the country of departure, the test must be taken there, otherwise for countries where there is no designated lab, the test must be taken at any lab approved by the local public health authority.  Travelers may also be subject to a second COVID-19 PCR test and quarantine upon arrival at the discretion of the authorities.

Additional information: Previously, the number of labs air travelers could use for obtaining their COVID-19 tests was limited. The UAE expanded the number of labs to make the testing process more convenient, but also expanded the list of countries where tests must be taken at one of the identified clinics.

Analysis & Comments: Expanding the number of labs inbound travelers can use to obtain their pre-flight COVID-19 tests should make their testing processes more convenient. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

The United Arab Emirates recently updated its COVID-19 entry testing and visa renewal policies.

The following policies took effect Aug. 1:

  • All travelers arriving in the UAE are required to present a negative COVID-19 test certificate from a test conducted within the past 96 hours.
  • A second test may be required at the airport at the discretion of UAE authorities. If a second test is conducted at the Dubai airport, self-quarantine is required until a negative test result is issued. All travelers who are tested a second time at the Abu Dhabi airport are required to self-quarantine for 14 days.

Additional Information: The UAE has also modified its COVID-19 visa policies. Under policies that took effect Aug. 1, foreign residents currently in the country now have until Oct. 10 to renew expired visas. Visitors who are currently in the UAE with expired visas have until Aug. 10 to leave or update their status. Residents outside the UAE should return as soon as they are able to do so.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should take note of the new testing requirements and make employee travel arrangements accordingly. The visa renewal policies will provide some relief to individuals whose visas have expired or will expire soon. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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.

 

IMPACT – HIGH

Dubai’s Supreme Committee of Crisis and Disaster Management has implemented a procedure for residents wishing to return that differs from the UAE’s federal policy.

Key Points:

  • Dubai Immigration (GDRFA) will process entry requests for residents holding a Dubai-issued visa and will provide an “instant response.”
  • Following approval, the GDRFA issues resident re-entry applicants an Application Number to book a flight to return to Dubai through the Emirates Airline website. As of yet, other airlines have not resumed regular flights to Dubai.
  • Dubai residents returning to the emirate from abroad must also follow strict arrival procedures, including testing, self- or designated-hotel quarantine until the test results are issued (and, if positive, 14-day quarantine), the use of a smartphone tracking app (the COVID-19 DXB), and adherence to the latest protocols in place at the time of arrival. In addition, every passenger entering Dubai must present a complete health declaration form and quarantine undertaking form. Employers who are responsible for an employee’s accommodation that is not suitable for quarantine may be required to arrange alternative suitable accommodation.
  • Dubai residents may now travel to other countries from Dubai. Before departing or returning, they must complete a health declaration form confirming that they have no COVID-19 symptoms.

Additional information: The federal government has announced that it will begin allowing tourist travel to the UAE effective July 7.

Analysis & Comments: The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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.