The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has introduced a new multi-entry visit visa designed to streamline travel for expatriates visiting friends and family.
The UAE visa eliminates the requirement for a local sponsor or guarantor and offers stay options of 30, 60, or 90 days. This change is particularly beneficial for communities such as Pakistanis, who frequently encounter difficulties when applying for UAE visas for family visits.
Eligibility and USE Visa Application
The visa is available to individuals visiting close relatives, including parents, children, siblings, or spouses. Applicants must provide documentation such as marriage or birth certificates proving the relationship. Friends can also apply but must demonstrate a valid reason for their visit, such as attending significant events or spending time with close associates.
How to Apply for UAE Visa
Applications for the visa can be submitted through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website, its mobile app, or at service centres across the UAE. Applicants need to furnish the following documents:
- A passport with at least six months validity.
- Two recent passport-sized photographs.
- Supporting financial documents.
- Evidence of employment or business activities, such as a salary certificate, partnership contract, or business license.
UAE Visa Fees and Requirements
The fees for the visa are as follows:
- 30-day visa: AED 300 (approximately Rs22,755).
- 60-day visa: AED 500 (approximately Rs37,925).
- 90-day visa: AED 700 (approximately Rs53,095).
A refundable deposit of AED 2,000 (approximately Rs151,700) is also required as financial security, along with minor administrative fees. Applicants must secure medical insurance, which ranges from AED 40 to AED 90 (approximately Rs 3,034 to Rs 6,825), depending on the length of stay.
This initiative represents a significant advancement in making the UAE more accessible to expatriates wishing to reconnect with their families. By removing the need for local sponsorship, the UAE facilitates easier family reunions and personal visits, especially for Pakistani expatriates, enhancing their ability to maintain close ties with loved ones.
