UAE Visa Update: Travelers must have INR 68,000; visa and return tickets alone are insufficient
New Regulations Enforced at UAE Airports: Stricter Screening and Documentation Requirements for Tourists
UAE Tightens Visit Visa Rules: Travelers Must Have INR 68,000, Visa, and Return Ticket Not Enough
The UAE offers a Visit Visa for individuals wishing to visit the country, serving multiple purposes such as visiting relatives, traveling, exploring job opportunities, and more. Recently, according to news reports, immigration authorities have intensified inspections and screenings at UAE airports to detect individuals arriving on visit visas with the intention of seeking employment.
Reports indicate that several passengers from Kottayam and Idukki districts in Kerala were detained at the airport due to inadequate travel documentation. These inspections began at Kochi and Kozhikode airports in Kerala. Following the detention of passengers in the UAE, the scrutiny process has become more rigorous. At Cochin International Airport alone, over 20 passengers were recently barred from boarding flights.
Similarly, up to five individuals are denied travel daily at Calicut International Airport. Consequently, approximately 30 passengers in Kozhikode had to cancel their travel plans.
Airlines are now strictly enforcing regulations requiring tourist visa holders to possess hotel reservation documents and 5,000 dirhams (approximately INR 1.3 lakh) for expenses. Many passengers arriving with only a visa and air tickets were unable to board flights and were refused travel even after providing visa details, contact information, and addresses of relatives or friends in the UAE. Those whose trips were canceled received no refunds or opportunities to reschedule and endured lengthy waits at the airport before returning home.
An airline official mentioned receiving directives regarding hotel booking documents and a 5,000 dirhams buffer, in addition to visas and return tickets. Guidelines stipulate that airlines will be held accountable for passengers lacking proper documentation upon arrival in the UAE, with fines of 5,000 dirhams per passenger imposed. These stringent measures, a first for airports, require passengers to carry or have access to 3,000 dirhams (approximately INR 68,000) for a one-month visa and 5,000 dirhams for a longer stay, with credit cards meeting these limits also accepted.
Immigration authorities in Dubai have issued guidelines for visitors on tourist visas:
- Inquiry by Airport Officials: Upon arrival, airport officials will inquire about the purpose of the visit, accommodation arrangements, and available funds for expenses. Inadequate responses may result in passengers being detained. This means that visitors must be prepared to explain their travel plans clearly, provide proof of accommodation, and demonstrate they have sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay in the UAE.
- Prohibition on Employment: Visitors on tourist visas are prohibited from engaging in employment. Travel and recruitment agencies are also forbidden from promising job opportunities to those on tourist visas. This measure is intended to prevent misuse of tourist visas by individuals seeking to work illegally in the UAE.
- Employment Visa Procedures: Visitors who come to the UAE on employment visas must complete their visa procedures upon entry, enabling them to work legally. This involves undergoing necessary checks and processes to ensure their employment is authorized and compliant with UAE regulations.
- Documentation for Tourist Activities: Visitors engaging in tourist activities should provide information on their hotel accommodation, return tickets, and available funds. This ensures that tourists have a clear plan for their stay and the means to support themselves, reducing the likelihood of them seeking employment illegally.
- Visiting Friends or Relatives: Visitors intending to stay with friends or relatives may be asked to provide copies of their hosts’ visas and passports, along with contact details and accommodation information. This helps authorities verify the legitimacy of their stay and ensures they have a place to stay during their visit.
The intensified inspections and new regulations underscore the UAE’s commitment to regulating immigration and ensuring that visitors comply with the purpose of their visas. These measures are also in place to maintain security and order at airports, preventing illegal employment and ensuring that visitors have a pleasant and trouble-free experience in the country.
