Is Your Dubai Visa Designation Wrong? Here's How to Fix It

 UAE visa designations are based on the job title stated in your employment contract, which must adhere to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) standards. This contract, including the designation, should mirror the job offer used for your work permit application, as per Article 2(1) of Ministerial Decree No. 46 of 2022.

This article states that employers must use the approved standard employment contract that matches the job offer when requesting a work permit. While additional benefits or annexes are allowed, they cannot contradict the decree-law and its regulations.

Since your visa designation doesn't match your current role, it's crucial to inform your employer immediately. They are responsible for initiating any necessary changes to your visa and Emirates ID. Discuss the issue with them and request they begin the correction process.

Rectifying a visa designation in the UAE involves a process that requires coordination between your employer and the relevant government authorities. Here's a breakdown of the steps:

1. Discuss with Your Employer:

• Crucial First Step: It's essential to discuss the discrepancy with your HR department or employer. They are responsible for initiating the correction process.
• Explain the Importance: Clearly explain why it's important for your visa designation to match your actual job title. This can prevent legal issues, problems with future visa applications, and other complications.

2. Employer Initiates the Request:

• MOHRE Involvement: Your employer will need to submit a request to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) to change the job title on your visa.
• Required Documents: This typically involves providing documents such as:
• Your passport copy
• Current visa copy
• New employment contract reflecting the correct designation
• Any relevant certificates or proof of your actual job role

3. Visa Update:

• GDRFA Update: If the designation change impacts your visa status, your employer will also need to update or amend your residence visa with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).  
• Emirates ID Update: In some cases, you may also need to apply for a new Emirates ID to reflect the updated designation.

 

U.A.E Visa Applications Made Easy: Say Goodbye to Paperwork with E-Health Insurance

 Good news for residents in the UAE! Starting February 19th, the manual submission of health insurance documents for visa applications and renewals is a thing of the past.

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) has launched a new, unified electronic platform for seamless health insurance data transfer. This means:

No more paper forms: Upload your health insurance information directly through the platform.

Faster processing: Eliminate delays and enjoy a smoother visa application experience.

Secure connections: Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, assures secure data transfer.

This initiative builds on the success of the smart system for electronic government services. In 2023 alone, over 5 million residence permit transactions were processed through this system, demonstrating its efficiency. 

Here's a breakdown of the improved process: 

New residence permits: Over 1.6 million were issued in 2023 using the electronic system.

Residence permit renewals: More than 3.5 million renewals were processed electronically in the same year.

The UAE continues to embrace digitalization, making resident services more convenient and efficient. So, ditch the paperwork and prepare for a faster, easier visa experience! 

Moreover, the digitalization of the visa application process and the inclusion of e-health insurance reflect the UAE's vision of becoming a leading digital hub in the region. By embracing digital innovation, the country is not only enhancing its competitiveness but also setting new standards for customer service and convenience. 

In conclusion, the introduction of a streamlined visa application process integrated with e-health insurance is a significant milestone in the UAE's journey towards digital transformation. This initiative benefits travelers and investors and showcases the government's commitment to leveraging technology for the greater good.

Different Types of Visas you can apply legally in the U.A.E

 The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers a variety of visas to meet the needs of different individuals and groups. Here are some of the most common types of visas in the UAE:

Tourist visa: This visa allows you to stay in the UAE for up to 30 days. You can apply for a tourist visa online or at a UAE embassy or consulate in your home country.

Business visa: This visa allows you to enter the UAE for business purposes. You will need to provide a letter from your employer or sponsor, as well as proof of your financial arrangements.

Work visa: This visa allows you to work in the UAE. You will need to have a job offer from a UAE-based company, and your employer will need to sponsor your visa.

Student visa: This visa allows you to study in the UAE. You will need to have been accepted to a UAE university or school, and your sponsor will need to provide proof of your financial arrangements.

Retirement visa: This visa allows you to retire in the UAE. You will need to be at least 55 years old, and you will need to have a certain amount of financial assets.

Golden visa: This visa is a long-term residency visa that is granted to individuals who invest a certain amount of money in the UAE. The amount of investment required varies depending on the type of visa.

In addition to these common types of visas, the UAE also offers visas for specific purposes, such as medical treatment, domestic work, and religious pilgrimage.

The specific requirements for each type of visa vary, so it is important to check with the UAE government or your sponsor for more information.

Tourist Visa:

Eligibility: To be eligible for a tourist visa, you must:

• Be a citizen of a country that is eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE.
• Have a valid passport that is at least six months old.
• Have a return or onward ticket.
• Have a valid health insurance policy that covers you for the duration of your stay in the UAE.

Application process: You can apply for a tourist visa online or at a UAE embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process typically takes a few days to complete.

Visa fees: The visa fees for tourist visas vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality.

Validity: The validity of a tourist visa depends on the type of visa you have. Single-entry visas are valid for 30 days, multiple-entry visas for 30 days or 90 days.

Extension: You can extend your tourist visa for a maximum of 90 days. To extend your visa, you must apply for an extension at a UAE immigration office.

Business Visa: Here are some details about the business visa in UAE:

 

Types of business visas: There are two types of business visas in the UAE:

Sponsored business visa: This visa is for individuals who are sponsored by a UAE-based company or organization.

Self-sponsored business visa: This visa is for individuals who are self-employed or who own their own business in the UAE.

Eligibility: To be eligible for a business visa, you must:

• Be a citizen of a country that is eligible for a visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE.
• Have a valid passport that is at least six months old.
• Have a letter of invitation from your sponsor or a company registration certificate if you are self-sponsored.
• Have a valid health insurance policy that covers you for the duration of your stay in the UAE.

Application process: You can apply for a business visa online or at a UAE embassy or consulate in your home country. The application process typically takes a few days to complete.

Visa fees: The visa fees for business visas vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality.

Validity: The validity of a business visa depends on the type of visa you have. Sponsored business visas are valid for 6 months, self-sponsored business visas are valid for 1 year.

Extension: You can extend your business visa for a maximum of 1 year. To extend your visa, you must apply for an extension at a UAE immigration office.

Here are some of the benefits of having a business visa in the UAE:

• Allows you to enter and exit the UAE multiple times during the validity of your visa.
• Allows you to stay in the UAE for up to 6 months (sponsored) or 1 year (self-sponsored).
• Allows you to work in the UAE if you are sponsored by a company.
• Allows you to sponsor your dependents to live and work in the UAE.

Work Visa: Eligibility: To be eligible for a work visa, you must:

Be a citizen of a country that is eligible to work in the UAE.

• Have a valid passport that is at least six months old.
• Have a job offer from a UAE-based company.
• Have a medical fitness certificate.
• Have a police clearance certificate.

Application process: The application process for a work visa in the UAE typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. The process involves the following steps:

Your employer will submit an application for a work permit to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Once the work permit is approved, your employer will submit an application for a visa on your behalf.

• You will need to provide the following documents to your employer:
• Your passport and visa application form.
• Your academic and professional qualifications.
• Your medical fitness certificate.
• Your police clearance certificate.

Your employer will submit your application to the UAE embassy or consulate in your home country.

Once your visa is approved, you will be able to enter the UAE and start working.

Visa fees: The visa fees for work visas vary depending on the type of visa and your nationality.

Validity: The validity of a work visa depends on the type of visa you have. Standard work visas are valid for 2-3 years, green visas are valid for 5 years.

Extension: You can extend your work visa for a maximum of 2 years. To extend your visa, you must apply for an extension at a UAE immigration office.

Here are some of the benefits of having a work visa in the UAE:

• Allows you to live and work in the UAE.
• Allows you to bring your dependents to live in the UAE.
• Allows you to travel to and from the UAE freely.
• Allows you to open a bank account in the UAE.
• Allows you to buy property in the UAE.

Student Visa:

Eligibility: To be eligible for a student visa in the UAE, you must:

• Be a citizen of a country that is eligible to study in the UAE.
• Have a valid passport that is at least six months old.
• Have been accepted to a UAE-accredited university or school.
• Have a medical fitness certificate.
• Have a police clearance certificate.
• Have proof of financial support.

Application process: The application process for a student visa in the UAE typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. The process involves the following steps:

You will need to apply for admission to a UAE-accredited university or school.

Retirement Visa:

The UAE offers a retirement visa for individuals who are at least 55 years old and meet certain financial requirements. The visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed for another 5 years.

To be eligible for a retirement visa in the UAE, you must:

• Be at least 55 years old.
• Have a valid passport that is at least six months old.
• Have a minimum of AED 1 million in financial assets.
• Have a medical fitness certificate.
• Have a police clearance certificate.

The application process for a retirement visa in the UAE typically takes 4-6 weeks to complete. The process involves the following steps:

You will need to apply for a retirement visa at a UAE embassy or consulate in your home country.

You will need to provide the following documents to the embassy or consulate:

Your passport and visa application form.

• Proof of your age.
• Proof of your financial assets.
• Medical fitness certificate.
• Police clearance certificate.

Once your application is approved, you will be issued a retirement visa.

The retirement visa in the UAE offers a number of benefits, including:

• The ability to live and work in the UAE.
• The ability to bring your dependents to live in the UAE.
• The ability to travel to and from the UAE freely.
• The ability to open a bank account in the UAE.
• The ability to purchase property in the UAE.

Golden Visa:

The visa is valid for 5 years and can be renewed for another 5 years.

There are different categories of Golden Visa, each with its own eligibility criteria and investment requirements.

Some of the categories of Golden Visa include:

•  Investors: Individuals who invest a minimum of AED 2 million in real estate or AED 10 million in government bonds.
• Entrepreneurs: Individuals who own and manage a business in the UAE that has been in operation for at least 2 years and generates annual revenues of at least AED 1 million.
• Scientists: Individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of science or technology.
• Outstanding students and graduates: Individuals who have achieved outstanding academic results or who have made significant contributions to the field of education.
• Humanitarian pioneers: Individuals who have made significant contributions to the field of humanitarian work.
• Frontline heroes: Individuals who have served in the UAE armed forces or police force.

The Golden Visa offers a number of benefits, including:

• The ability to live and work in the UAE.
• The ability to bring your dependents to live in the UAE.
• The ability to travel to and from the UAE freely.
• The ability to open a bank account in the UAE.
• The ability to purchase property in the UAE.

If you are interested in applying for a Golden Visa in the UAE, you should contact a UAE immigration lawyer or consultant for more information.

Three-month visit visa re- inroduced in the U.A.E

 The UAE has reintroduced a 3-month visit visa, allowing visitors to stay in the country for up to 90 days. The visa can be extended within the country at an additional cost based on the service provider.

The visa is available to citizens of most countries, including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and the European Union. To apply for the visa, visitors must have a valid passport and a return ticket. They can apply for the visa at any UAE embassy or consulate, or online through the UAE's official website.

The reintroduction of the 3-month visit visa is a welcome development for tourists and business travelers. It will make it easier for people to visit the UAE for short-term stays.

Here are some of the benefits of the new visa:

    It allows visitors to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days, which is longer than the previous 60-day visa.
    It can be extended within the country, which gives visitors more flexibility if they need to stay longer.
    It is available to citizens of most countries, which makes it easier for people to visit the UAE.

If you are planning to visit the UAE, I recommend applying for the new 3-month visit visa. It will make your trip easier and more enjoyable.

Three-day weekend in the U.A.E effective from July first 2023 to Federal Govt employees

 The UAE government has announced that federal government employees will be able to opt for a three-day weekend starting July 1, 2023. The new work pattern is part of a broader effort to improve work-life balance and productivity in the public sector.

Under the new system, employees will be able to work 10 hours a day, four days a week. This will give them a three-day weekend, from Friday to Sunday. Employees who choose to work this compressed workweek will be able to do so without any loss of pay.

The new work pattern is voluntary, and employees will be able to choose whether or not to participate. However, the government is encouraging employees to take advantage of the opportunity, as it is seen as a way to improve work-life balance and productivity.

The UAE is not the first country to introduce a four-day workweek. Iceland, for example, has been running a trial of a four-day workweek since 2017, and the results have been positive. Employees have reported feeling less stressed and more productive, and the country's economy has not suffered as a result.

It remains to be seen whether the UAE's new work pattern will be as successful as Iceland's. However, the government is confident that it will be a positive change for the public sector.

In addition to the new work pattern, the UAE government has also announced a number of other measures to improve work-life balance in the public sector. These include:

•     Increased flexibility for employees to work from home.
•     Increased opportunities for employees to take parental leave and other types of leave.
•     Improved health and wellness programs for employees.

The UAE government is committed to creating a more attractive and productive work environment for its public sector employees. The new work pattern and other measures are part of this effort.

The Federal National Council (FNC)U.A.E approves 3 year Work permit for employees

 The Federal National Council (FNC), the  parliamentary body of the United Arab Emirates, has approved  the extension of the validity period of work permits from two years to three years. This comes after the FNC committee recommended a change to reduce the financial costs associated with obtaining work permits.

  Currently, work permits are issued in the United Arab Emirates for two years. The document was issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emirates. It is illegal  to work in the country without a valid permit. A report by the Committee on Finance, Economy and Industry of FNC proposed to extend the tenure to three years. The commission also offered other recommendations, including waiving work permit fees when changing jobs. Another recommendation approved by the FNC  was that employees should work for the employer for at least one year  after the trial period. However, this requirement can be waived if the employer agrees.

Long-term UAE residency visas for expatriates in five new job categories

Maj Gen Saeed Rakan Al Rashedi (left) briefs the media

The long-term residency visas for expatriates from five select categories has come into force, permitting them to stay in the UAE for up to 10 years, a top official of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship announced in the capital 2^nd May 2019.

Announcing details at a media briefing at the General Identity Directorate in Khalifa City of Abu Dhabi, Major-General Saeed Rakan Al Rashedi, Director-General for Foreigners Affairs and Ports, said, “Today we announce the launch of new services in the field of residency, implementing the UAE Cabinet Decision No. 56 for the year 2018. It grants long-term stay in the country to investors, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, talented people like doctors, researchers, innovators and outstanding students.”

New long-term visa categories

Investors - 10 Year Visa

Conditions:

• Public investment via deposit or company (not less than Dh10 million)
• Non-real estate investments shouldn’t be less than 60 per cent of total investments
• An investor should hold full ownership – not loan. Or he can prove that he reserves rights of investments for three years as a minimum.
• The asset should not be encumbered by claims that impair the appropriateness of the financial value of Dh10 million

 Benefits:

10-year visa is renewable

Possibilities of having partnered with a condition that each partner should invest Dh10 million

Visa for spouse and children for 10 years

10-year visa for one executive director and one advisor

Six-month validity entry visa with permits for multiple travels

Real Estate Investors - 5 Year Visa

Conditions:

• Total investment in real estate should not be less than Dh5 million
• An investor should hold full ownership – not loan. Or he can prove that he reserves rights of investments for three years as a minimum
• The financial asset should not be encumbered by claims that impair the appropriateness of the financial value

Benefits:

Five-year renewable residency visa

Five-year visa for spouse and children

Five-year visa for one executive director and one advisor

Six-month validity entry visa with permits for multiple travels

Entrepreneurs - 5 Year Visa

Conditions:

Owning a project with a value of not less than Dh500,000 with accreditation certificates from the government

Benefits:

Five-year visa, which can be upgraded to investors visa

Five-year visa for spouse and children

Six-month validity entry visa with permits for multiple travels. This also can be extended for another six months

Five-year visa for three executive directors.

Researchers/ Scientists, Doctors, Innovators - 10 Year Visa

 Conditions:

 Existence of a valid work contract and with specialisation in fields that are prioritised in the country

 Benefits:

10-year renewable visa

10-year visa for spouse and children

Outstanding Students - 5 Year Visa

Conditions:

The student should have at least 95 per cent in secondary school with a distinction of 3.75 GPA upon graduation from any university

Benefits:

Five-year renewable visa

Five-year renewable visa for his family

 Image Credit: Courtesy: Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship