UAE Introduces Multi-Entry Visit Visa with Flexible Stay Options
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a new multi-entry visit visa, providing greater flexibility for foreign nationals aiming to visit family and friends. The visa, which does not require a local sponsor or guarantor, is a significant step forward for expatriates, particularly Pakistanis, who often face challenges with traditional visa requirements.
Key Features of the Multi-Entry Visit Visa
This new system offers foreign nationals flexible stay options of 30, 60, or 90 days, enabling visits without the usual sponsorship hurdles. Designed to simplify the process, the initiative aims to make family reunions and personal visits to the UAE more accessible than ever before.
Eligibility Criteria
The multi-entry visit visa is available to:
- Family Members: Parents, children, siblings, and spouses, with proof of relationship through valid documents like marriage or birth certificates.
- Friends: Those with a legitimate reason for visiting, such as attending significant events or spending time with close associates.
Application Process
Applications can be submitted through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website, mobile app, or at service centers across the UAE. Required documents include:
- A valid passport with at least six months of validity.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs.
- Proof of financial stability.
- Employment or business documentation (e.g., salary certificate or business license).
Visa Fees and Charges
The visa fees vary based on the duration of stay:
- 30-day visa: AED 300 (approx. Rs 22,755)
- 60-day visa: AED 500 (approx. Rs 37,925)
- 90-day visa: AED 700 (approx. Rs 53,095)
Additional costs include:
- Refundable deposit: AED 2,000 (approx. Rs 151,700) as financial security.
- Medical insurance: AED 40 to AED 90 (approx. Rs 3,034 to Rs 6,825), depending on the duration.
Read More: Popular UAE Tourist Attraction Temporarily Closed
Impact on Expatriates and the Economy
This initiative is expected to strengthen family ties and foster personal connections, especially for Pakistani expatriates who previously required local sponsors to visit their families in the UAE. It also enables expatriates to participate in family celebrations, such as weddings and births, with ease.
Economically, the extended stay options could benefit sectors like hospitality, retail, and leisure, boosting tourism and encouraging longer visits.
A Step Towards Inclusivity
The UAE government’s decision to eliminate the sponsor requirement makes the visa process more inclusive and accessible, benefiting not only Pakistanis but also other expatriate communities. This move reinforces the UAE’s reputation as a welcoming hub for expatriates seeking opportunities and an enhanced quality of life.
By facilitating smoother travel plans, the new visa system promises to promote stronger social connectivity and community bonds while supporting the country’s growing economy.
