United Arab Emirates – Two New Visas Announced

Posted on April 28, 2021

The UAE has launched two new visa categories: a remote work visa, and a five-year multiple-entry tourist visa. The one-year (renewable) remote work visa enables professionals of any nationality to live and work remotely from the UAE even though their… Read more »


United Arab Emirates – Major changes in immigration rules announced

Posted on June 15, 2018

On June 13, 2018, the government announced significant changes to the immigration and foreign labour systems of the UAE. The changes will affect current and future foreign national employees and their employers. What are the changes? Among the changes announced… Read more »


United Arab Emirates – Abu Dhabi Dependent Residence Permit Requires Abu Dhabi Tenancy Contract

Posted on October 13, 2017

  Effective immediately, foreign nationals employed in Abu Dhabi who wish to sponsor family members for initial or renewal dependent residence permits must submit a Tawtheeq (a residential lease registered in Abu Dhabi) In support of the application. Employees who… Read more »


United Arab Emirates – New “E-Vision” Online Application System for Dependents

Posted on January 13, 2017

Effective December 25, all immigration applications for dependent family members in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) must be submitted via “E-Vision”, a new online application system. Manual applications will no longer be accepted. Previously, family members had to apply for… Read more »


United Arab Emirates – Changes to Validity of 30-day Visa on Arrival

Posted on September 2, 2016

National’s eligible for a 30-day visa on arrival has been recalculated by the United Arab Emirates.  Previously, the 30-day visa on arrival would reset if the foreign national exited the UAE.  Effective immediately, the 30-day visa on arrival is only… Read more »


United Arab Emirates – e-Vision Portal Enforced in Dubai

Posted on August 19, 2016

Dependent visas and renewal applications submitted in Dubai may face delays as they are required to be filed online using the e-Vision portal.  The General Directorate of Residence in Foreign Affairs in Dubai is enforcing applications to be submitted via… Read more »


United Arab Emirates – Family Visas Can No Longer Be Put “On Hold”

Posted on July 15, 2016

Effective immediately, family members of principal residence visa holders can no longer apply to have their family residence visas put “on hold” if the principal changes employer and needs to apply for a new visa. Previously, when a principal residence… Read more »


Dubai – Health insurance now mandatory

Posted on May 13, 2016

The Dubai Health Authority announced that as of June 30, 2016 employers in Dubai must provide health insurance coverage to all residents and visitors. Employers will be required to supply, at the least, standard coverage. In addition, dependents must also… Read more »


UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Mandatory Health Insurance Law in its Final Stage

Posted on April 1, 2016

The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) issued a health insurance law in 2013 requiring all citizens and foreign nationals residing in Dubai and the free zones to be covered by a health insurance plan. The mandatory health insurance law was implemented… Read more »


UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Work Permit Applications May Be Submitted In-Country

Posted on February 26, 2016

Immigration authorities in the United Arab Emirates are now permitting foreign nationals to first enter the country using short-stay visit visas, submit work permit applications and if approved, receive their work permits without having to leave the country.  This process… Read more »