The Cabinet of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has opened up the UAE to the world with the introduction of a variety of sponsor-free visas and permits for tourists, job seekers, business people amongst others.
In an effort to lure more talent and skilled professionals into the country, UAE has launched the novel job-exploration visa. For a favourable outcome to their applications, applicants are to ensure that they fall between the first and third skill levels as outlined by UAE’s Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. Though no sponsor is required, to be qualified for this visa, fresh graduates are to have finished from one of the world’s top five hundred (500) universities.
In addition to not requiring a sponsor, the five-year multiple entry tourist visa allows for continuous stays of up to ninety (90) days and may be extended for another ninety (90) days, making it possible for the holder of this visa to stay in UAE for a period of one hundred and eighty (180) days, but not more. Applicants need to have had at least $4000 or its equivalent in foreign currency in their bank account not less than six (06) months leading up to the submission date of this visa application.
For those wishing to travel to UAE to spend time with friends and family, there is an entry permit that makes this possible, with no host or sponsor needed for its procurement.
Other permits that require sponsors include the temporary work permit and permits for study and training.
For those traveling to complete temporary work assignments in the UAE such as project based missions and probation testing, a temporary work contract or a letter from the applicant’s employer together with proof of health fitness to work is required for visa processing.
Those migrating to undertake academic courses, internship programmes and work trainings will require the study and training permit, and will need a sponsor the likes of research or educational institutions to provide a letter detailing aspects of the training or internship, as the case may be.
Sources say that these various visas and permits, which are part of the executive regulations of the Federal Decree Law on entry and residence of foreigners will be enforced ninety (90) days from the date of their publication in the official gazette.
