IMMIGRATION ALERTS

Dubai launches A Dubai Invite programme offering residents Dh3,000+ in travel perks for bringing family and friends to visit. Valid July-October 2026.

UAE launches 5-year multiple-entry tourist visa with no local guarantor. AED 3,713 fee, $4,000 bank balance, 90-day stay. Apply now through GDRFA Dubai.

The UAE has revised Emiratization rules for private healthcare facilities with 50 or more employees. The mandatory annual 2% Emiratization target must now be allocated equally between specialized healthcare roles and other skilled positions within the facility. The implementation timeline remains unchanged – 1% in the first half of the year and 1% in the second half. Compliance will be assessed from 2027.

Cathay Pacific has announced the resumption of scheduled passenger services to the Middle East, ending a six-month suspension caused by regional unrest. Daily Hong Kong–Dubai flights and four-times-weekly Hong Kong–Riyadh services will restart on 1 September 2026, with tickets already available for booking. Cargo operations to Riyadh resume from 1 August 2026.

Complete guide to UAE visa requirements for 2026. Over 80 nationalities enjoy visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. Use the official MOFA online tool to check your eligibility instantly. Includes special rules for Indian passport holders with US, UK, EU, or other select residence permits.

Complete guide to checking your UAE visa status online using GDRFA Dubai (for Dubai-issued visas) and ICP federal services (for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, RAK, and Fujairah). Learn how to search by file number, passport, or Emirates ID. Includes step-by-step instructions, contact numbers, and tips to avoid overstay penalties.

The UAE has expanded its Visa-on-Arrival program to nationals of Indonesia, Kenya, the Philippines, South Africa, Thailand, and Vietnam holding valid residence permits from Australia, Canada, EU countries, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, South Korea, the UK, or the US. Eligible travellers can stay up to 60 days.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs has officially lifted the travel ban on Lebanon, allowing Emirati citizens to travel from June 29, 2026. All travellers must register their trip before departure through the Tawajudi service – failure to register may result in travel being suspended at departure ports. The ban was initially imposed on April 30, 2026, amid regional security concerns.

The UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) has introduced stricter labour accommodation standards for 2026, requiring new housing complexes to be at least 5km from family residential areas. Free internet, 24-hour medical clinics for complexes with 1,000+ workers, sports facilities, and recreational activities are now mandated. The updated Worker Accommodation Standards Guide aims to enhance worker welfare and community harmony.

The UAE will offer visa-on-arrival to eligible Filipino citizens starting June 25, 2026. Qualified travellers holding valid visas from the US, EU, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, Canada, or New Zealand can obtain a 14-day visa (AED 100, extendable) or a 60-day visa (AED 250, non-extendable). The move strengthens bilateral ties and simplifies travel for the Filipino community.

The UAE has expanded access to Private Tutoring Work Permits, allowing school students (aged 15–18), university students, private sector employees, government workers, and registered teachers to legally offer private lessons. The 2-year renewable permit is free of charge and covers full-time, part-time, flexible, or remote work. Applicants must sign a Ministry of Education Code of Conduct.

The UAE has introduced a 30-day grace period (June 10 – July 9, 2026) for individuals affected by regional disruptions, allowing them to regularise residency status or leave without overstay fines. The relief applies to visa holders, exit permit holders, and residents whose visas were cancelled but unable to depart between late February and early June 2026.

The UAE has announced a major overhaul of the Nafis Program effective September 2026. Key changes include shifting the 2.5% employer pension contribution cost from government to employers, new monthly salary support for Emirati women married to Emirati husbands (up to AED 3,000), support for children of Emirati mothers (up to AED 3,000 per child), and a revised monthly top-up structure based on education level (AED 3,000–6,000).

UAE Wage Protection System rules June 2026: Salaries due by 1st of each month. 85% wage transfer threshold and new dispute resolution.

Dubai lowers thresholds for two-year property investor visa – sole owners no minimum, joint owners need AED 400k share. More flexibility for investors.

Dubai streamlines property visas: GDRFA and Land Department unite services for Golden, Retiree & Property Residency in unified digital gateway.

UAE launches Blue Residency Visa 2026: 10-year renewable residency for environmental and sustainability talent. Applications now open for climate change experts.

UAE doubles remote visa income proof to 6 months (effective Jan 27, 2026). Learn the new $3,500/month requirement and how this impacts digital nomads.

Dreaming of Dubai’s skyscrapers or Abu Dhabi’s beaches? Whether you’re a tourist, remote worker, or investor,

The UAE’s updated visa policy aims to simplify travel for Indian tourists, business professionals, and families.