The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a new multi-entry visit visa system that allows foreign nationals to stay for 30, 60, or 90 days without the need for a local sponsor or guarantor. This initiative aims to provide greater flexibility for those wishing to visit family and friends in the UAE, with a special focus on expatriate communities, particularly Pakistanis, who often face challenges with the sponsorship requirements for family and personal visit visas.
Under the new visa system, visitors can enjoy a streamlined process for staying in the UAE, making it easier for families to reunite and for friends to spend time together. The flexible stay options allow travelers to choose the duration that best suits their needs, without the usual complications of local sponsorship.
Who Can Apply?
The new visa is open to foreign nationals looking to visit close relatives, including parents, children, siblings, or spouses. Applicants will need to provide proof of their relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates. Additionally, the visa is available to friends who have a legitimate reason for visiting, such as attending important events or spending time with close associates.
This visa is particularly beneficial for expatriates, especially Pakistanis, who previously faced the burden of extensive paperwork and sponsorship when visiting family members in the UAE. With the removal of the sponsor requirement, the process has become more accessible.
Application Process
Applications for the multi-entry visit visa can be submitted through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website, mobile app, or at service centers throughout the UAE. The application process is straightforward, requiring the following documents:
- A valid passport with at least six months’ validity
- Two recent passport-sized photographs
- Proof of financial stability
- Employment or business documentation (e.g., salary certificate, partnership contract, or business license)
Visa Fees
The new visa system offers different fee structures based on the duration of stay:
- 30-day visa: AED 300 (approximately Rs 22,755)
- 60-day visa: AED 500 (approximately Rs 37,925)
- 90-day visa: AED 700 (approximately Rs 53,095)
In addition to the visa fees, applicants must pay a refundable deposit of AED 2,000 (around Rs 151,700) as financial security. There are also minor administrative charges, and applicants must secure mandatory medical insurance, which costs between AED 40 and AED 90 (approximately Rs 3,034 to Rs 6,825), depending on the visa duration.
Benefits for Expatriates
This new initiative is expected to significantly benefit expatriate communities, particularly Pakistani nationals, who can now visit family members in the UAE without needing a local sponsor. It will also promote stronger community bonds by making personal visits more accessible, enhancing family connections, and enabling participation in important milestones like weddings and births.
Moreover, the introduction of this visa is likely to boost tourism and have positive economic impacts, particularly in sectors such as hospitality, retail, and leisure, as longer visits encourage increased spending.
The UAE’s move to simplify the visa process for expatriates underscores its commitment to maintaining strong social connectivity and improving the quality of life for foreign nationals in the country.
