UAE Flyers Under Stricter Scrutiny Amid Rising Overstays

UAE Tightens Visa Rules as Overstay Cases Surge: Indian Travelers Face Scrutiny

Mangaluru: With several cases of overstaying or absconding of visit visa holders, the UAE authorities are tightening the rules for applying for visitor visas.

On the other hand, travelers are facing increased scrutiny from Indian carriers and travel agents as visa holders will be fined heavily if they overstay or abscond in the UAE.

A travel agency across India has been fined Rs 2.2 crore after around 2,000 visit visa holders were not traced by the UAE authorities.

Following this, the agency has been very proactive in processing visit visa applications and ensuring that all necessary documentation is done. “As far as overstay cases are concerned, the agency is racing them and then the fines are waived for the cases found,” a source at the agency said.

According to airline websites, a visit visa applicant must have a soft copy of the passport (first and last two pages); a travel document valid for at least six months; the passport must have been issued no more than 10 years ago; a confirmed return ticket copy, confirmed accommodation and around Dh3,000 in cash or the traveler must have an international debit or credit card.

Previously, travel agents were providing fake flight tickets and accommodation, but as UAE authorities scrutinized the cases, many were deported, or after immigration found discrepancies in the return flight tickets, airlines here did not allow passengers to board.

Airlines will be fined Dh5,000 for each case of deportation by UAE authorities, and travel agents are also facing similar fines.

“Not only will we be punished, but we will also be blacklisted across embassies as the information is shared by the authorities,” said another travel agent.

For those with relatives in the UAE, visit visa applicants will have to provide their relatives’ or host’s rental agreement, Emirates ID and contact details during the visa application process.

An airline operator said it is always prudent for a visit visa holder to arrive at the airport early so that if any documents are missing, they can contact relatives abroad and prepare them as they will not be allowed to board the flight. He pointed out that there have been a few such incidents at the Mangalore International Airport