UAE changes immigration laws: How Indians could benefit

Today, October 3rd, The United Arab Emirates’ (UAE’s) advanced visa system, announced last month, will take effect. Among the new visa rules are a 10-year expanded golden visa scheme, a five-year green residency program for skilled workers, and a multiple-entry tourist visa that allows visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days. The changes in the immigration laws can have a major impact on tourists as well as those who wish to work or live in the UAE.

The following are the main changes in UAE’s immigration laws:

• A five-year green visa will allow foreigners to sponsor themselves without the help of an UAE citizen or their employer. This visa is available to freelancers, skilled workers, and investors.
• Additionally, green visa holders can also sponsor their family members.
• A green visa holder will be given a six-month extension if their permit expires.
• Investors, entrepreneurs, and individuals with exceptional talents will be eligible for a 10-year extended residency under the golden visa.
• Golden visa holders can sponsor family members and children.
• Family members of a golden visa holder can also stay in UAE after the holder’s demise until the visa remains valid.
• Business owners with golden visas will also enjoy 100 percent ownership.
• UAE tourist visas now allow visitors to stay for 60 days.
• A five-year multi-entry tourist visa will allow visitors to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days in a row.
• Using the job exploration visa, professionals will be able to seek employment in the UAE without a sponsor or host.