The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has launched a new multi-entry visit visa, offering greater flexibility for foreign nationals visiting family and friends. This initiative eliminates the need for a local sponsor or guarantor, easing travel for expatriate communities, particularly Pakistanis, who often face hurdles in obtaining family or personal visit visas.
Key Features of the Visa
The new visa system offers options for 30, 60, or 90-day stays, allowing travelers to visit without the traditional sponsorship requirements. This simplified process is expected to strengthen family bonds and make reunions more convenient.
Eligibility Criteria
The visa is available for foreign nationals wishing to visit close relatives, including parents, children, siblings, or spouses. Applicants must provide proof of relationship, such as marriage or birth certificates.
Friends can also apply if they have a legitimate reason for their visit, such as attending significant events or spending time with close associates.
Application Process
Applications can be submitted online 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 (minimum six months’ validity).
- Two recent passport-sized photos.
- Proof of financial stability.
- Employment or business documents (e.g., salary certificate, partnership contract, or business license).
Visa Fees and Additional Costs
The visa fees vary depending on the duration:
- 30-day visa: AED 300 (~Rs 22,755)
- 60-day visa: AED 500 (~Rs 37,925)
- 90-day visa: AED 700 (~Rs 53,095)
Applicants must also pay a refundable deposit of AED 2,000 (~Rs 151,700) as financial security. Medical insurance, costing between AED 40 and AED 90 (~Rs 3,034 to Rs 6,825), is mandatory, along with minor administrative charges.
Benefits for Expatriates
This visa simplifies travel for expatriates, allowing them to reconnect with loved ones and attend important family events such as weddings and births. Pakistani nationals, who often face challenges in acquiring visit visas due to sponsorship requirements, are expected to benefit significantly.
Additionally, this initiative is anticipated to boost tourism and contribute to the UAE’s economy by promoting longer stays, which could positively impact hospitality, retail, and leisure sectors.
A Step Towards Inclusivity
By eliminating the sponsor requirement, the UAE has made visiting family and friends more inclusive and accessible, particularly for expatriate communities. This move reinforces the country’s reputation as a hub for expatriates seeking opportunities and a better quality of life.
Experts believe the new visa will enhance social connectivity, strengthen community bonds, and make the UAE an even more attractive destination for families worldwide.
