Abu Dhabi: The amended entry and residency law will reduce the illegal trade in visas, a top official said.
The law is aimed at fighting residency violations and tightening control on visa issuance, Brigadier Nasser Awad Al Minhali, Director General of the Abu Dhabi Naturalisation and Residency Department, said.
He rejected claims that the new amendments to tourist visa regulations would have a negative impact on tourism.
"Restricting the issuance of tourist [visit] visas for only licensed tourism operators would give them the opportunity to grow and receive all tourists who were coming to the UAE through unspecialised bodies or individuals," he said.
"The paid security deposit is refundable once the tourist leaves the country," he added. Al Minhali said the UAE's robust economy made it a destination for people who wanted to work, visit, study, or attend conferences and exhibitions, which meant entry laws had to be revised and updated.
"Ministerial decision No 322 for 2008 included the regulations that aim to simplify entry procedures and reduce the burden on concerned authorities, as well as create a balance between economic, tourism and security considerations," Al Minhali said.
Dr Mohammad Khamis, Criminal Security Advisor at the Interior Ministry, said new types of visit visas have been introduced by the FNRD specifying the reason for visit, such as education, treatment or for participating in an exhibition or conference.
"The new types of visit visas are being introduced so that we are able to go hand in hand with the fast paced ongoing development of the country," he said.
According to Khamis, a new visa type has been introduced for residents of GCC countries, which allows them to stay for 30 days and may be renewed for a similar period.
Companions of GCC citizens obtain a 60-day visa, which may be renewed twice for similar durations. Student visit visas for short training courses will have a validity of 60 days at a cost of Dh1,000.
The student must be registered at a licensed educational institute in the UAE. Patients wishing to receive treatment in the country must obtain a medical treatment visa which costs Dh1,000 for 90 days, and may be renewed for a similar period for Dh500.
