59A7D41EB44EABC4F2C2B68D88211BF4 U.A.E Visa Rules and Procedures-Law updates -free legal advice: UAE residence visa renewal - No need of tenancy contract

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

UAE residence visa renewal - No need of tenancy contract


The requirement of a tenancy contract and attested utility bills in the UAE has been cancelled for renewal of residency visa from late Monday.

“The decision from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigner Affairs came late yesterday. We have been told that there is no longer need of tenancy contracts and utility for any kind of visas,” a call centre executive of Abu Dhabi Systems and Information Centre (ADSIC) On Monday, Abu Dhabi had said that expatriates seeking a renewal of their residence visa must submit an attested tenancy contract with a valid utility bill, saying those sharing an accommodation would be rejected.

An official at the General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners Affairs in Abu Dhabi said the new rules issued last week apply to all expatriate families and bachelors, excluding those applying for a renewal of a visit visa.

Ahmed S, an Indian, who works with a company in Abu Dhabi, and has been sharing an apartment with his friends in Dubai, was quite elated to hear the new rule.

“It is good that they have cancelled the tenancy contract regulation… it is so tough for us who earn only Dh6000 per month to rent an apartment in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. I am very happy,” he added.

When contacted, Susan, who shares a Shoreline apartment in Palm Jumeirah, says: “I am relieved now. Since the announcement of the new rule, I wasn’t certain as to what I should do as my visa renewal comes in December. Now, I can peacefully enjoy the bliss on the Palm.”

She had told this website following the new rule that she could not afford to pay the full rent of an apartment on Shoreline and hence was sharing it with two other people.

It was reported on June 6 that expatriates seeking to renew their visas in Abu Dhabi must now submit a copy of their housing rent contract to immigration authorities as part of new terms enforced by the Ministry of Interior.

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.

On June 7, it was confirmed that people sharing accommodation will not be allowed to renew their residence visa.

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