Multiple-entry visas to UAE now a reality

Industry and residents have welcomed the decision by the government to issue multiple-entry visas to foreign businessmen, property investors and cruise tourists. A decree to this effect was issued by Lieutenant General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, on Wednesday making it easier for these categories of foreign nationals to visit the UAE. An immigration source said multiple entry visas can be issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs, as well as the UAE’s Consular offices abroad. DP World officials were among the first to welcome the decision, saying that multiple-entry visit visas will enable the UAE to compete more effectively with other cruise destinations. According to Decree No. 418 of 2012, foreign professionals who need to visit the UAE regularly on business, are now eligible for multiple entry visas. Foreigners who own property in the country can also apply for this visa with their spouses and children. They are permitted to enter the country several times within six months from the date of issue of the visa, and will be allowed to stay in the country for a maximum of 30 days, as long as the visa is valid. If tourists are visiting on board a cruise liner, they will be permitted to enter the country several times within three months from the date of issuance of the visa, and stay in the country for a maximum period of 14 days from the date of entry. UAE ambassadors and Consuls general abroad are authorised to issue multiple-entry courtesy visas to foreigner on a case-to-case basis. Three-month multiple entry visas may be granted to holders of diplomatic and UN passports. This allows its holder to enter the country several times within three months from the date of issue, and stay in the country for a maximum period of 30 days from the date of entry. Sponsorship is exempted in such cases. “This is a very positive move that will make a tangible difference to the cruise industry in Dubai and in the UAE and therefore to economic growth. We thank the Government of the UAE, including His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, and Lt. General Shaikh Saif bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior, for this initiative,’’ said Sultan bin Sulayem, DP World Chairman. Mohammed Al Muallem, Senior Vice-President and Managing Director, DP World, UAE Region said multiple-entry visit visas for cruise tourists will make it easier for the cruise liner and their passengers and the UAE would be able to compete more effectively with other cruise destinations. ‘‘We look forward to welcoming more cruise ships at Mina Rashid in Dubai, as we expand capacity there, reinforcing Mina Rashid’s position as the premier regional cruise terminal.” Egyptian Islam Al Shiwy said this is a step forward in the right direction. “We wish for more such initiatives...for tourists and visitors.” “This will help us enter and exit the country many times, particularly in case of emergency,” said Mohammed Zahir, Pakistani, who wished all visitors will be eligible for multiple entry visas. Yaman Shawaf, a Syrian, said multiple entry visas add more value to immigration services, and promotes Dubai as a leading tourism destination. The immigration source said regular tourists are not entitled to multiple entry visas and must apply for visit visas. ‘‘An applicant for a tourist visa may stay in the country for 30 days, yet they may renew the same only once for additional 30 days on condition that they do not leave the UAE during the same; otherwise the visa shall no longer remain valid.” Source : Khaleejtimes.com Ahmed Shaaban / 9 November 2012