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UAE Introduces Visa Extension and Other Policy Reforms
The UAE has introduced reforms to its online visa services, allowing visitors to extend their 90-day visitor visa for an additional 30-day stay. It's also possible to electronically extend single-entry or multiple-entry visit visas for relatives or friends.
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship has confirmed 15 updates to UAE's online smart services system to improve services for citizens, residents, and visitors.
The Director General of the ICA, Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, stated that the development of smart services is a dynamic process that anticipates future directions of governments, meets customer needs, and provides fast and easy solutions.
UAE Visas for Family Groups Now Available Online
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) has made amendments to the UAE visa policy, allowing the online issuance of visas for family groups visiting for tourism or medical purposes. These visas can be single-entry or multiple-entry and permit stays of either 60 or 180 days.
Smart System Updates
The ICA has implemented several updates to enhance their smart services system. These updates include:
- Extended Pre-Entry Validity: Visa holders now have the option to extend the pre-entry validity of their visas.
- Printing of Visa and Residence Details: Visa holders can now print their visa and residence details directly from their online account.
- Cancellation and Modification of Visa Information: GCC citizens registered in the system without an Emirates ID can now cancel and modify their visa information.
Residence Visa Renewal Procedure
A new procedure for renewing residence visas has been introduced. Foreign citizens with a UAE residence visa can only renew the document if it has less than 6 months validity remaining.
Exemption for Emirates Citizens
Emirates citizens are no longer required to provide fingerprint data when submitting passport applications through the smart system. Additionally, they are exempt from paying any fees or charges for these services.
These reforms and updates aim to improve the convenience, efficiency, and quality of visa services provided by the ICA in the United Arab Emirates.