New UAE visa system to roll out from October 21

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has announced the implementation of part of the sweeping reforms to the UAE visa system that had been approved by the UAE cabinet.

The UAE Cabinet had in June adopted a number of visa facilitation for visitors, residents and families to cater for a wider segment of the society.

On Wednesday, Brigadier Saeed Rakan Al Rashidi, acting director-general of Foreigners Affairs and Ports at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, said they will be implementing three of a series of the changes to visa legislation adopted by the UAE Cabinet, starting on October 21.

The following Cabinet decisions will be implemented:

1. Extending the residency visa of the widow or divorcee women and their children for one year.

2. Extending residency period for students sponsored by their parents beyond university years or secondary



school

3. Granting visitors a new visit visa after the expiry date of their entry permit for visit or tourism without having to leave UAE.

The new changes to be implemented will include granting a one-year extension of residency visa for widows and divorced women and their children, a two-year extension of the residency period (one-year at a time) for students dependent of their parents after grade 12 and after finishing their university studies, and granting a 30-day visit visa extension for two times for visitors and tourists without having to leave the country.

"The reforms to the UAE visa system cater to the conditions of residents and visitors and meet their main needs," said Al Rashidi.

"The new changes adopted by the UAE Cabinet aim at supporting everyone in the community and to make all people in the UAE are happy. We want to ensure that everyone, visitors and residents stay secure and comfortably in the UAE."