Foreigners residing in Abu Dhabi as well as those who
work in the capital and live in other emirates must also present a rent copy
along with other documents required for their visa extension, the semi official
Arabic language daily Alitthad said, quoting Major General Nassir Al Minhali,
Ministry of Interior assistant undersecretary for naturalization and residence.
“All expatriates in the UAE are now required to submit a
copy of their house rent contract when they want to have their visa
renewed…they should also present valid water or power bills to support that
contract,” he said.
“This is part of a new data system enforced by the
Ministry of Interior…we need accurate and comprehensive data regarding the
expatriates residing in the country…this is very important as this data base
will also serve applicants in their dealings with other departments,” he added.
He said the new term affects families and bachelors and
that residents of other emirates are also required to submit a copy of the rent
contract.
“Those who work for Abu Dhabi-based companies and live in
other emirates must bring a copy of the contract of their rent in those
emirates…expatriates seeking to have their visa renewed in Abu Dhabi are not
required to be living in the emirate…all they have do to is to bring a copy of
their rent contract.”
Typing centres confirmed that the requirements are the
same in other emirates, too. The Immigration
Department has a new documentation requirements for individuals sponsoring dependents whether
it's a new visa or renewal, documents are: Original tenancy contract attested
by the municipality of the Emirate (Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah etc.). The tenancy contract must be under the name
of the sponsor. Also needed is the latest electricity bill or if it is a new
contract, the deposit receipt.
This new policy also applies to sponsoring housemaids,
drivers, parents, etc.
Some expatriates who share apartments are unhappy with
the new rule. Some of them are of the opinion that this will add undue pressure
to their budgets, as they will now have to look for independent accommodation.
Said one extremely disturbed worker, "I earn just about Dh4,500 and have
to support a family of 16 back home. With this new rule, I'm very uncertain of
my future."
Meanwhile, some are optimistic the rule will be amended
considering the hardships it would entail on numerous expats. One resident
said: "My visa is valid for more than a year. Am sure by then there would
be more amicable amendments made to the rule."
More than seven million expatriates are believed to be
living in the UAE, with a total population of around 8.2 million in mid 2010,
according to the Statistics Bureau.
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