Abu Dhabi: The Federal Authority for Identity Citizenship Customs and Ports Security (ICP) announces the introduction of a new UAE 5 year Green Visa system will be in effect from the 3rd of October 2022.
This allows salaried individuals or self-employed persons as well as shareholders or investors in businesses to obtain a green visa without sponsoring for five years. In addition, Green Visa holders can sponsor first-degree relatives. This program offers more flexibility and autonomy to those who are on the UAE job market.
In a press event at a press conference in Abu Dhabi, the ICP gave details about the new visa system for the UAE that was first announced.
What is the new visa system?
Major General Sultan Yousef Al Nuaimi, Director General of Foreign Affairs and Residency at the Authority, announced that the executive regulations regarding the entry and residency of foreigners living in the UAE will take effect on the 3rd day of October.
He said that the new regulations include an updated visa system, which contributes to helping to sustain the process of sustainable development as well as the policy of diversification of the economy, through the attraction of highly skilled workers, scientists skilled people, experienced individuals and highly skilled experts that result in increasing the productivity of workers and increasing the economic competitiveness of the country.
Al Nuaimi further said: “The updated visa system is marked by the addition of a variety of types of residence and additions that are suitable for all kinds of entrepreneurs, investors skilled scientists and experts, early students, graduates, pioneers of humanitarian work, the first line of defence and skilled Labour in all fields, in addition to alleviating burdens and simplifying procedures, Adding new benefits for residency holders and separating residency from employer, which helps to improve quality of life and create a better living, working and investment experience.
The revised visa system incorporates an additional benefit called the UAE Green Visa, Jobseeker Visa as well as extra benefits to Golden Visa holders.
UAE Five year Green Visa
The regulations will be in effect on October 3. Major General Khamis Al Kaabi, Director General of Support Services at the ICP, said: “The new Administrative Code for the Entry and Residence of Foreigners, which Effective October 3, it includes an integrated residency system with excellent benefits and facilities, notably the green visa, which is granted for a period of five years, subject to renewal, and includes resident More benefits are included for family members, including a flexible grace period of up to six months after residency expiry or cancellation.”
There are three types of Green Visa are:
- Is the green residency of the skilled worker
- Is the green residence for self-employment
- Green residency for the partner or investor who is involved in commercial activities without a guarantee and for a time period of five years and subject to renewal to replace the previous stay of two years. With less complicated terms and better benefits, and also allowing residents of the green status to include first-degree relatives.
UAE Jobseeker Visa
Another kind of visa that was introduced as part of the revised visa system, is a visa for job-seekers. It permits you to travel into the UAE without having an employer or sponsor to look into investment, work or business possibilities. It’s basically an updated process for obtaining an entry permit.
Al Kaabi added: “One visa is designed to help you find job opportunities, while the second visa is designed to locate business and investment opportunities to lure investors, without hosting or guarantor. The country , in accordance with the conditions specified in the new Executive Regulations.”
In the press conference, ICP also unveiled the brand newly created UAE passports for Emiratis. The new version of the passport is printed using lasers and polycarbonate materials instead of paper, making it hard to destroy or tear and also allows for faster printing and more secure.
Major General Suhail Jumaa Al Khaili, Director General of Identity and Passports at the authority, explained that, by issuing the brand new Emirati passport the ICP is moving towards the decentralisation of services. The new passport will be issued in seven locations all over the country, an increase from the two previous centres, resulting in an easier and faster service.
