The UAE has shortened the validity of freezone visas from three to two years, Khaleej Times has learned. The development has been confirmed by typing center agents and business setup consultants.
With the implementation of the new UAE visa reforms this October, the new validity period went into effect.
It used to be that visas issued in the freezones had a validity of three years, whereas those issued on the mainland had a validity of two years. The UAE government has now standardized the validity of work visas.
"As per new updates, the validity has been reduced from three to two years," an agent at the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) confirmed.
A circular has been sent to clients informing them of the change.
A visa that has already been issued will remain valid for three years. According to a business consultant, new ones will have a validity of two years.
Even visas that are in the process are subject to the new rule.
In an email sent to clients, the freezone authority said, "Even if you have recently applied for a new visa and reached the final stage of e-sticker processing, and your EID (Emirates ID) application has been approved for three years, the visa will not be processed and is only valid for two years."
This applies to all new employment visa requests (inside or outside the country), as well as visa renewals.
According to another authority, the visa amount for the "third year" has been refunded to business partners.
For many people, this will mean a slight increase in visa costs, said Abdul Gafoor, general manager of Al Mas Businessmen Service. “The visa duration for partners of mainland companies has also been cut down to two years. It is not a major change – but the increased cost is something that companies will have to factor in to their future plans.”
Expatriates and foreign investors can own companies in the UAE's more than 40 multidisciplinary free zones. Governed by a special set of rules and regulations, these zones offer much more flexibility to residents as well as lower prices, making them extremely popular.
On October 3, the UAE's Advanced Visa System came into effect with the largest visa ever issued, as well as entry reforms introducing a Green Visa for skilled workers, freelancers, and investors.
There are multiple benefits to self-sponsored five-year residency programs. The goal is to attract and retain the best talent in the UAE.
A number of changes have also been made to visit visa permits. The new visas will allow a stay of 60 days instead of 30 days. In addition, a five-year multi-entry tourist visa has been introduced, which does not require a sponsor. The UAE will allow tourists with a bank balance of $4,000 to stay for 90 consecutive days.