[ad_1]
UAE’s visiting visa regulations have heightened concerns among travelers. Affi Ahammad, MD of Smart Travels, advises having documents ready for airport ease.
The UAE is tightening its visit visa rules for countries with high numbers of migrant workers, including India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, the Philippines, Pakistan and more. This measure aims to curb illegal migration by preventing individuals from overstaying their visit visas to work illegally. By enforcing stricter documentation requirements, the UAE seeks to ensure that visitors comply with visa regulations and do not remain in the country without proper work authorization.
Recent changes to the UAE’s visiting visa regulations have raised concerns among many prospective travelers. Affi Ahammad, Managing Director of Smart Travels, advises passengers to have their documentation readily accessible for a smooth experience at the airport. Travelers on visiting visas must now ensure they have:
1) A confirmed return ticket
2) An address where they are staying, preferably traveling with the host relative from India
3) A passport with at least six months of remaining validity
4) A copy of their Emirates ID
5) At least 5000 dirhams in their account or an equivalent amount in currency
Although carrying a six-month bank statement is not strictly enforced, visitors should have no less than 3000 dirhams or a credit card with a sufficient limit.
These regulations, which were initially relaxed in September 2020 following concerns from travel agencies about the impact on job seekers and local businesses, have now been reinstated, causing unease among travelers, including many from Kerala. Travelers who did not meet these requirements have been stopped at Indian airports and were denied boarding.
Reports also indicate that some travelers who reached Dubai faced detention by immigration authorities. This tightening of visa rules dashes the hopes of many young individuals aiming for employment opportunities in the UAE, particularly those from less affluent backgrounds who find it challenging to gather funds for visas and flights.
Despite the stringent checks at airports, notably in India, which have resulted in detentions, particularly of travelers from Kerala’s Idukki district, Dubai’s immigration officials have yet to comment officially on the matter.
The surge in visiting visa applicants, particularly post-COVID-19, has not translated into job openings as the market was quickly saturated. Nonetheless, ongoing inspections at Dubai airports aim to safeguard passengers and streamline immigration processes, potentially benefiting the tourism sector by ensuring clarity and preventing misunderstandings.
However, a significant number of travelers detained lacked sufficient proof of accommodation. While some claimed to be staying with relatives, the absence of verifiable addresses and Emirates IDs led to their return. Delays and miscommunications at the airport have caused considerable inconvenience, exacerbated by a lack of clear communication from travel agencies about the tightened guidelines.
The post Why Is the UAE Tightening Its Visit Visa Rules? appeared first on Travel And Tour World.
[ad_2]
Source link
