New visa fee system to be launched in UAE from August 2014

The General Directorates of Residency and Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Interior has completed its technical and services preparations to ensure a flexible implementation of the new visa and fees system across the naturalization, residency and ports affairs sector.

The system will be effective August beginning, by virtue of the Cabinet`s resolution number 22 for the year 2014, regarding the organisation and development of the services at the MoI`s naturalization, residency and ports affairs sector.

Lt. General Sheikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, issued the ministerial decision number 377 for the year 2014, which amended the applicable regulations on foreigners’ entry and residence. The ministry has announced the promulgation of the new visa fees within the next few days on their website: http://moi.gov.ae.

Major-General Khalifa Hareb Al Khaili, Acting Assistant Undersecretary of the Ministry of Interior for Naturalization, Residency and Ports Affairs, mentioned that the next stage will include the issuance of a new array of entry permits and visas, such as the multiple entry permits for visit or work; the activation of study visas, and entry permits for medical care and attending conferences.

“This comes in response to community members needs and supports various activities, in accordance with the Cabinet`s decision,” Maj-Gen Al Khaili explained.

He also said that the ministerial decision number 377 for the year 2014 coincides with the Cabinet`s decision. The approved amendments take into account the quality and development of services, in addition to meeting social requirements and activities in a way that supports various aspects of economic, touristic and social activities.

The new decision also focuses on violators, which is the key issue in the suggested amendments, as part of an integrated system, which ensures the field efficiency of executive authorities and customers’ satisfaction.