Among the newly introduced four visa categories, the most notable is for those from the technology field, in particular, Artificial Intelligence. (Photo: iStock)
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced four new visa categories for visitors. On Monday, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) also introduced some new regulations on the durations, conditions, and eligibility requirements of a number of existing visas.
Among the newly introduced four visa categories, the most notable is for those from the technology field, in particular, Artificial Intelligence (AI).
AI specialist visa
The AI specialists visa will be issued for single or multiple entries for a specific period. AI specialists can avail the visa, subject to a letter from a host or sponsoring technology company in the Emirates. The timing of the AI specialists’ visas is significant, as the Middle East is touted to gain the most from the H-1B visa restrictions in the US. In recent years, the UAE has also made significant investments in AI and has attracted talent and companies from around the world to cities including Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Entertainment visa
The second new category of visa will be issued to those coming to the UAE for a temporary period for entertainment purposes.
Events visa
A separate visa category has also been introduced for those coming to the UAE to attend a festival, exhibition, conference, seminar, or economic, cultural, sports, religious, community, educational activities, or similar events. To avail this, the applicants have to have a sponsor/host, which could be an entity from the public or private sector, and a letter from the hosting entity must be submitted, including details of the event and its duration.
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Tourism visa
The fourth new visa category is for foreign tourists, especially those coming on cruise ships and leisure boats for a temporary period. This is a multiple-entry visa, and applicants should show that their schedule includes stops in the UAE. They should also have a sponsor/host who has a facility licensed for this type of activity.
Changes to existing visas
Changes to existing visas include the humanitarian residence permit, for a one-year period, which is available to people from countries at war or hit by a natural disaster. This can now be obtained without a sponsor, and if the holder of the permit leaves the UAE, then the permit will be cancelled.
Another change is in residency for widows and divorced women who can now obtain it without a sponsor. They can now obtain residency within six months of the death of the husband – or of the divorce – providing she is still in the country and the sponsor was the husband before the divorce or death.
The new changes also stipulate that those sponsoring the visit of friends and relatives will have to meet a certain income threshold. For first-degree relatives, the sponsor must earn at least Dh 4,000 (Rs 96,700) a month, and Dh 8,000 (1.94 lakhs) for second or third-degree relatives. Sponsoring a friend will require a minimum monthly income of Dh 15,000 (Rs 3.62 lakhs).
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