IMMIGRATION ALERTS

The UAE is rolling out a phased police clearance certificate requirement for employment visa applicants from 45 countries. Phase 2 takes effect August 15, 2026, adding Bangladesh, Nigeria, the Philippines and eight other nationalities. Phase 3 follows November 15, 2026. Learn about attestation requirements, exemptions, and common pitfalls.

The UAE has resumed issuing visit visas to Pakistani citizens applying through registered travel agents, following a period of stricter screening that saw high rejection rates, especially for first-time and solo applicants. Family applications are now processing faster, with daily passenger numbers rising from 170 to 400.

Oman has expanded its visa-on-arrival and GCC Resident eVisa to UAE residents in over 100 professions, including doctors, engineers, accountants, designers, and social-media influencers. The 28-day visa costs OMR 5 (AED 48) and requires a valid Emirates ID and passport. Blue-collar categories remain ineligible.

Dubai's GDRFA has launched a free online Schengen Citizens Visa Calculator to help European visitors track their 90-day UAE stay within any 180-day period. Learn how to use the tool, avoid overstay fines, and plan your travel with confidence.

Montenegro opens visa-free entry to eligible UAE residents for the 2026 summer season. Foreign nationals with 3+ years of UAE residency can stay up to 10 days until October 1, 2026, on direct flights from the UAE. Full eligibility and requirements inside.

Bangladesh Embassy responds to UAE visa cancellation rumors among expatriates abroad. Warns against fake news, urges citizens to follow official channels.

UAE flight cancellations continue July 26-27, 2026. Emirates, Etihad, flydubai, Air Arabia cancel UAE-Kuwait and UAE-Bahrain routes. Full flight status inside.

UAE introduces digital re-entry permit for residence visa holders outside the country over 180 days. One-time permit, 48-72 hour processing, ICP smart app.

UAE passport ranks No. 2 globally with 188 visa-free destinations – the biggest rise in Henley Passport Index history. From 64th in 2006 to 2nd in 2026.

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.