Member News

United Arab Emirates

Effective immediately, citizens of Serbia are eligible for visa-free entry into the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for stays of up to 90 days within any 180 days. It is expected that travellers under this entry policy are prohibited from undertaking work, study and residency. The new entry policy comes as a result of an approved agreement between the governments of Serbia and the UAE signed in September 2018. Previously, Serbian passport holders had to apply for a UAE visa prior to travel.
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Holders of passports issued by the Republic of the Congo are now eligible for a short-term multiple-entry visitor visa-on-arrival that is stamped at the port of entry free of charge. The visa allows for a maximum stay of up to 30 days with a possibility of a one-time in-country extension. This new policy comes as a result of a memorandum of understanding on mutual exemption from pre-arranged visa requirements signed between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of the Congo in October 2018.
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The Ruler of Dubai approved a new employment law for the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) that is expected to come into effect on 28 August 2019. The law addresses key aspects regulating labour relations in the Free Zone, including leaves (it introduces a paternity leave), end-of-service gratuity payment and contract termination, and it provides clearer definitions of part-time employment, short-term employment and secondment (although a number of provisions will not apply to short-term employees). Finally, the law introduces a more structured schedule of penalties, including a USD 2,000 (for each instance of breach) fine for non-compliance with visa and sponsorship regulations.

The law is specific to DIFC only and it does not apply in any other jurisdiction in the United Arab Emirates.
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The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has announced the implementation of a new rule that allows male dependents under parents’ sponsorship to extend their residence period for up to two years after completing university studies or high school education, or after reaching the age of 18. Eligible male dependents will be granted a one-year residence permit starting the day they complete their education or from the day they turn 18, with the possibility of renewal for an additional year. Applicants do not have to submit a security deposit of AED 5,000, which was previously required.
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The government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has started implementing the decision that relaxes conditions for foreign nationals seeking to sponsor residence permits for their dependents. According to the new law, any foreign resident in the UAE, regardless of their gender and job title, may sponsor residence permits for dependents. The new law does not change minimum salary requirements for the sponsorship of dependents, but it allows low-skilled workers, including servants and labourers, to sponsor dependents provided that they meet the respective conditions. Previously, these categories of foreign residents were not allowed to sponsor dependents in the UAE.

Qatar

Qatar’s Ministry of Interior, in cooperation with the National Tourism Council has announced the launch of a new e-notification system (Electronic Travel Authorization, ETA) for those wishing to travel to Qatar as part of the Summer in Qatar festival. Eligible applicants include those travelling as a family, family members of Qatari citizens and residents and former residents of Qatar. Applicants can submit their requests through the Ministry of Interior’s electronic portal. Upon presenting a copy of confirmed ETA, travellers will receive an entry stamp on arrival. Although open to all nationalities, those individuals who benefit from visa free entry to Qatar are not required to use this service.

Saudi Arabia

Effective immediately, foreign nationals can apply for a self-sponsored Premium Residency Card through an electronic platform launched by the Saudi Premium Residency Center. This comes after a draft law regulating the issuance of self-sponsored residence permits was approved by the Shura Council in May 2019.

Eligible foreign nationals may apply for two categories of Premium Residency Card (PRC): PRC for Limited Duration at SAR 100,000 per year; and PRC for Unlimited Duration at SAR 800,000 paid once. Qualifying applicants must prove sufficient financial resources, no criminal record and medical fitness. Those applying from Saudi Arabia must have legal status in the Kingdom and must settle all matters related to their previous residence, including any contractual obligations. Foreign nationals with an approved PRC must maintain valid medical insurance.

Oman

Employers in Oman are experiencing delays with processing labour applications due to restrictions imposed by the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) for accessing the Ministry’s electronic portal. Currently, only individuals listed in the company registration documents have access to the electronic portal that allows the creation and filing of labour-related applications, including new and renewed work authorizations and employment termination. Previously, other company representatives, including Government Relations Officers, could also access the portal and submit application forms; the forms could also be generated at government-accredited service centres. Employers must ensure that MOM applications are filed on time to avoid potential delay fines that may be imposed by government authorities if employers miss filing deadlines.
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Employers in Oman are experiencing delays with processing immigration applications due to ongoing challenges with the recently upgraded Royal Oman Police’s (ROP) electronic portal. Currently, some employers are unable to file certain application through the portal and instead must submit them over the counter at the ROP’s offices. It is not clear how long the issues with the portal will continue.
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The Ministry of Manpower has extended the suspension on the issuance of new work visas for foreign employees in certain professions from 31 May 2019 until 30 November 2019: sales representatives and procurement representatives. It is not clear if the above workers will be able to renew their existing visas.

In addition to the above restrictions, in February 2019, the Ministry of Manpower issued a decision extending the suspension on recruitment of foreign national workers in 87 profession across various industries for six months, which is still effective until August 1, 2019, and in April 2019 the Ministry extended the suspension for workers in construction and cleaning services which is valid until October 25, 2019. Also, in May 2019, the Ministry has issued a list of professions that are expected to be permanently restricted to Omani nationals.

Bahrain

The Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs Authority has included Ukraine on the list of states whose citizens can obtain a visitor visa-on-arrival. Additionally, citizens of Costa Rica, Honduras and Montenegro can now apply for a pre-approved visitor visa through an electronic portal before arrival in Bahrain. Previously, nationals of Ukraine, Costa Rica, Honduras and Montenegro had to apply for visitor visas at a Bahraini Embassy.