Visas get revamp.

Provided by 7DAYS.ae

People will no longer be able to go to neighbouring countries to renew their visas from July 29.

A top official from the Dubai Immigration Department yesterday said that people wishing to do this must now return to their nations of origin."Such a process is closed now and the applications of those people who go to neighbouring countries for visa changes will be rejected," said Mohamed Ahmad Al Hammadi, Director of the Department of Entry Permit at Dubai Immigration.The new rule is likely to affect the number of people who travel to Kish Island - a popular stop-off for visa renewals.Officials also announced that people from more than 200 countries will now be allowed to enter the UAE on tourist visas. Earlier this was restricted to only 79 countries. Officials also said that any expatriate can sponsor relatives providing they can prove their relationship.

"People have to deposit dhs1,000 to sponsoring an immediate family member and dhs2,000 for relatives and friends," Hammadi said.Officials said that to sponsor a brother or sister, expats must earn a minimum salary of dhs5,000; to sponsor wife and children dhs4,000; and to sponsor other relatives and friends dhs6,000.Immigration will now issue two sorts of visa: short term, which costs dhs500 and is valid for 30 days, and long term, which costs dhs1,000 and lasts for 90 days.The department will also issue multiple entry visas for dhs2,000, education visas for dhs1,000 medical visas for dhs1,000, conference and expos visas for dhs100, and tourism visas for dhs100.fareed.rahman@7days.ae

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