Dubai Tightens Visa Rules: 62% Surge in Rejections for Indian Travellers
New Delhi: Visa processing platform Atlys has reported a 62% increase in visa rejections for Dubai following the introduction of stricter visa regulations by the UAE. The rules, aimed at curbing fraudulent applications, have disproportionately affected travellers from India, resulting in higher scrutiny and a significant increase in rejection rates, Atlys said.
The change was driven by the influx of expatriates and workers, with more people arriving in Dubai in search of employment opportunities, leading to overcrowding. To address this, the Dubai government is taking steps to reduce congestion at airports and enhance the experience for high-spending travellers.
In addition, they are aiming to crack down on individuals staying illegally in Dubai, ensuring a better balance and maintaining the city’s appeal as a premium tourist destination.
Atlys said this has led to delays in visa processing times, with applications taking between 1.5 and 2.7 days longer to process than before. The delay is due to the high volume of applications that require additional documentation and thorough verification by UAE authorities. Since the new rules were implemented, at least 5-6 applications out of every 100 are being rejected, up from 1-2% previously.
Of all applications received, 71% were rejected due to incomplete or incorrect documentation. Common issues include failure to meet the new stability criteria, unclear passport photos, mismatched photos (not aligned with passport requirements), and lack of proof of actual return flights or hotel reservations.
“Recent changes in visa policies, especially for trips to destinations like Dubai, provide travelers with an opportunity to adapt and evolve,” said Mohak Nahta, founder and CEO of Atlys. “While these changes may seem challenging, they open the door to greater efficiency and preparedness in the travel process. By staying informed and ensuring proper documentation, Indian travelers can continue to explore global opportunities with confidence,” he added.
Following the introduction of visa restrictions by the UAE, Atlys said it has seen a 48% shift in travel patterns as more travellers in the Gulf region seek alternative destinations. Interest has increased in destinations like Saudi Arabia and Qatar as travellers seek more accessible options due to Dubai’s strict visa rules.
As part of the updated policy, travellers will have to upload verified documents including hotel bookings, flight tickets and proof of financial stability. Applicants will also have to submit their last three months’ bank statements with a minimum balance of ₹50,000, which will need to be shown only upon entry into the UAE. PAN card details are mandatory for those looking to stay in hotels.