New visas to attract more tourists
The UAE is continuing its openness policy with the visit visa, the multi-entry tourist visa and entry permit to visit relatives or friends.
As the name indicates, the visit visa allows a traveler to visit the country for 60 days. That's double the time granted by the former visa. This new visa will be available from September. And to visit the country for a longer period, a traveler can apply for a multi-entry tourist visa. This 5-year visa doesn't require a sponsor and will allow a person to stay for up to 90 consecutive days in the UAE (the stay must not exceed 180 consecutive days in a single year). The only constraint is income: visa candidates must have 4000 dollars (in dollars or another currency) in the 6 months prior to their visa application. The entry permit to visit relatives or friends is another visa that doesn't require a sponsor or host. Travelers who want to apply for this visa must be related to or be the friend of a citizen of the United Arab Emirates.
Attracting highly-qualified foreigners
To attract more highly-qualified foreigners, the UAE is taking another step forward by introducing two new visas: the business entry visa and the job exploration entry visa, which can be obtained without a sponsor. These visas are expected to boost the country's appeal internationally.
The business entry visa is tailored for investors and entrepreneurs. It allows foreigners to create businesses and invest in the UAE. The job exploration entry visa is a novelty. It is part of the Emiratization policy for the private sector, and targets fresh graduates from the world's top 500 best universities.
Qualified workers are now eligible for the green visa. This visa also doesn't require a sponsor or employer and allows family reunification. It's valid for a longer period than the previous resident visa. The green visa is valid for 5 years, while the resident visa was only valid for 2. The green visa is also open to freelancers and investors.
Job exploration entry visa and the Emiratization of the job market
Omanization, Saudization, Emiratization, Qatarization, etc. Behind these terms is the political will to give more jobs to citizens of the said countries. Companies now prioritize citizens of the UAE in the hiring process. This strategy might seem paradoxical when the country is trying to portray itself as an El Dorado for expats. In the UAE, the Emiratization program has been on for many years now. Lately, this program's aim has been to ensure that at least 2% of qualified employees in the private sector are Emiratis, and it should increase to 10% by 2026.
For employers, it's a real headache. But for the government, it makes sense. Combining immigration and the employment of locals is necessary. The country is home to 10.8 million inhabitants, out of which 8.92 are immigrants. UAE authorities believe in the importance of valuing local talent. Companies who don't respect Emiratization laws should therefore beware of heavy fines. To encourage them to have it both ways, the government has launched the job exploration entry visa.
Job exploration entry visa: To attract the best international students
The prerequisites to obtaining this visa are very strict. To apply, the graduate must be classified as being of the first, second or third skill level by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization. They must also be a graduate of the top 500 universities worldwide and have at least the equivalent of a bachelor's degree. But there's no need for a sponsor. This visa can be obtained directly.
Thanks to this visa, foreign graduates will be able to look for a job, go through job interviews, participate in professional events, and even set up their own business. In short, this visa gives international talent the time to discover and “test” the UAE's labor market and corporate culture before considering relocating there.
Super Golden Visas?
While the Golden Visa is stirring up controversy, especially in the European Union, the United Arab Emirates is extending its scope. The golden visa (which is valid for 10 years) is an excellent way of attracting wealthy expats.
The UAE's immigration reform has extended the reach of the Golden Visa to real estate investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, highly qualified employees, the best students and individuals with “exceptional talents.” The new reform has relaxed the eligibility criteria for golden passports. From now on, there's no limit for the maximum duration of stay outside the UAE to maintain the visa's validity. Even expatriates' employees (e.g., housekeeping staff) can now be sponsored.
Golden Visas for investors and international talent
Real estate investors are still required to invest 2 million dirhams to get the golden visa. But they can now buy the property with a loan from a local bank or buy it off plan. Entrepreneurs can also now apply for the golden passport. However, their business must be an SME based in the UAE and have a capital of at least 1 million dirhams within the UAE.
Scientists and researchers must have a PhD in engineering, life sciences or natural sciences, and they must be recommended by the Emirates Scientists Council. Needless to say that only applications of graduates from the world's best universities are considered. That is the same for students/fresh graduates. They can enjoy a 10-year visa if they have excellent grades from one of UAE's universities. If they studied abroad, they must have graduated from the world's top 100 universities.
Foreign talent can also obtain a 10-year visa. Here, there's no need for any degree. Only talent matters. Exceptional talent in the arts, sports, culture, medicine, law, tech or innovation. The candidate must be recommended or approved by a federal or local Emirati authority.
What are the benefits of this reform for expats?
These announcements are a new opportunity for foreigners to relocate to the UAE. With greater flexibility and no need for a sponsor, all is done to attract more foreigners. The Emiratization policy doesn't seem to threaten the greater flexibility in immigration rules, at least for now. However, the impact of this reform on the immigration of foreign talent and wealthy foreigners remains to be assessed. The UAE could well enhance its status as a leading expat destination.
