The UAE has introduced new visit visa categories and a humanitarian residency option as part of major changes to its entry regulations, aiming to attract global talent and strengthen social stability.
The announcements were made by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) on Monday.
According to the ICP, the new regulations aim to "reinforce the UAE’s approach of openness to the world and its efforts to attract talent, expertise and entrepreneurs in the fields of technology—particularly artificial intelligence—as well as entertainment and tourism".
Four New Visit Visas
Authorities announced the introduction of four new categories of entry visas:
For specialists in AI: "This is a single or multiple entry permit and for a specific period of time. Issuing this type of visa is conditional on submitting a letter from a sponsoring or hosting entity such as a facility specialised in the technology field".
For entertainment: "This type of visas will be granted to foreigners coming for a temporary period for entertainment purposes".
For events: "It will be granted to foreigners for a temporary period to attend a festival, exhibition, conference, seminar, or economic, cultural, sports, religious, community, educational activities or similar events. It is required that the sponsor/host be an entity from the public or private sector and a letter from the hosting entity must be submitted, including details of the event and its duration".
For tourism: "Foreigners can get a multiple-entry visa for tourism purposes through cruise ships and leisure boats for a temporary period of time, provided that the schedule includes stops in the UAE and that the sponsor/host in this case, is a facility licensed for this type of activity".
Clear schedules specifying the duration of stay and extension conditions will apply to each visa type.
Humanitarian Residence Permit
A new humanitarian residence permit has been introduced:
"The humanitarian residence permit will be issued for a period of one year, with the possibility of extension by decision of the ICP, in accordance with specific conditions".
The ICP may continue granting visas to foreigners from countries affected by "wars, disasters or unrest, without the need for a guarantor or host".
Renewal or cancellation will depend on reports from the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs.
Residency becomes void if the beneficiary leaves the UAE.
For family sponsorship under humanitarian cases, exemptions from financial or kinship requirements may be granted by the Director General of Identity and Foreigners Affairs.
Residency for Widows and Divorcees
Other amendments cover residency permits for widows and divorcees:
"Issuing a residence permit for a foreign widow or divorcee for one year, with the possibility of renewal for a similar period".
If the husband was Emirati: Residency may be granted to the widow or divorcee without children, provided it is applied for within six months of the death or divorce.
If the husband was a foreigner: Residency can be granted to the widow or divorcee with custody of her children, under specific conditions.
Custody disputes will be decided by a competent committee and financial solvency and housing conditions must be met.
Sponsoring Relatives and Friends
Residents must now meet new income thresholds to sponsor relatives and friends:
Business Exploration Visa
The updated rules for the Business Exploration Visa require financial solvency aligned with the nature of the intended activity. Applicants must already be engaged in that activity professionally or through an existing establishment abroad.
Truck Drivers’ Visa
New conditions for truck drivers’ visas were also announced.
Single or multiple entry visas are now available.
In this case, the guarantor must be a freight or transport company. The required fees must be paid and the driver must have health insurance.