No changes to revised visa regime, says Ministry

The ministry has denied reports in some foreign newspapers saying that the revised visa fee structure will come into force with effect from today.

by

Nissar Hoath

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Published: Fri 14 Nov 2014, 12:37 AM

Last updated: Fri 3 Apr 2015, 11:17 PM

The visa regime announced in August with new structures, categories and fees remain unchanged, the Ministry of Interior has affirmed. In August, the ministry announced a decision aimed to provide integrated and multifaceted servicing channels based on standards of quality, efficiency and transparency.

The decision included new fee structures for certain categories, including visit and residence visas. The three-year visa fee for government employees was raised from Dh317 to Dh450. Similarly the two-year visa fee for all domestic helps, including farmers, sponsored by the UAE nationals was increased from Dh317 to Dh450.

The ministry has denied reports in some foreign newspapers saying that the revised visa fee structure will come into force with effect from today.

A public relations officer of a private department, who deals with visa transactions on a daily basis, told Khaleej Times that he has no information on the implementation from Thursday. “Just yesterday I submitted visa renewal applications of four workers and the visa fee is the same as since August. In case of any change, we are informed beforehand,” he said.

Employees of a typing centre that processes hundreds of visa applications daily also made similar comments. “If there are any new regulations, we get circulars from the Immigration Department at least a week before its implementation. So far we have not received any circular,” said an employee.

In August, the MoI announced the implementation of the ministerial decree, which regulates the services and the new visa and fee system of the Naturalisation, Residency and Ports Affairs Sector.

While announcing the implementation of the regulation, Brigadier Dr Rashid Sultan Al Khodr, Vice-President of Legal Affairs at the ministry and the official spokesperson of Naturalisation, Residency and Ports Affairs, said the decision includes a new array of visas and entry permits, including a visit visa with multiple entries for business purposes and the activation of entry permits for education, medical treatment and conferences. -nissar@khaleejtimes.com


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