One expert said this provides a clearer path for individuals to live and work legally in the country, significantly reducing absconding cases
The UAE’s recently introduced rules of minimum salary requirement for the visit visas will bring more genuine visitors to the country and reduce absconding cases, according to travel industry experts.
On Monday (September 29), the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) outlined income requirements for UAE residents who want to sponsor their family members and friends.
Residents earning Dh4,000 per month can now sponsor first-degree relatives, those earning Dh8,000 can sponsor second- and third-degree relatives, while a monthly income of Dh15,000 allows residents to sponsor friends for visit visas.
Sameer Bagul, Chief Business Officer at Cleartrip Arabia, described the new rules as a “positive move,” as they allow individuals to apply for visit visas for their loved ones and friends directly through immigration via typing and Amer centres, rather than relying solely on travel agencies.
“There’s some kind of visibility out here,” Bagul told Khaleej Times in an interview. “Not everybody gets their visa approved through travel agencies, which sometimes reject applications due to concerns about (entry permit) misuse and potential fines.”