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How to Find a Job in Dubai on a Visit Visa

In 2013, when we were a little younger and a little braver, we arrived in Dubai airport on a 30-day Dubai visit visa, we were excited and ready to embrace all that the city had to offer.

We ended up enjoying eight great years in Dubai. We became Dubai recruiters and over the years we have helped, and continue to help, many people from all over the world find jobs in Dubai. 

In this article I'm going to explain four steps that you can take right now, that will help you find a job whilst on a visit visa in Dubai.

Many people arrive in Dubai on visit visas hoping to secure employment, unfortunately many are unsuccessful.

This is not because they lack the right skills of experience, but rather, they fail because they don't understand how recruitment works in Dubai.

By the end of this article you'll have four very simple steps that you can take right now, to dramatically improve your chances of finding a job in Dubai.

Four-steps to finding a job on a Dubai visit visa

1. decide exactly what kind of job you want to get in dubai.

When you arrive in Dubai on a visit visa, you will have a very limited amount of time at your disposal.

You need to hit the ground running, and you should do as much preparation as possible before you arrive.

One of the main things you need to do before you arrive in Dubai, or as quickly as possible after you arrive, is to have a clear goal in mind.

• What job do you actually want to get? 

• What industries are you targeting?

• What companies would you like to work for?

When you know exactly what job it is that you are looking for, you'll be able to perform a very targeted job search.

A clear goal will improve your chances of getting a job in Dubai on a visit visa

I know this sounds too simple but this is absolutely fundamental to your Dubai job search success.

When we first arrived in Dubai, Hannah knew exactly what job she wanted, she had her CV tailored and targeted and had completed most of the steps outlined in this article. Within one week she had accepted a job offer!

I on the other-hand, had no idea what I really wanted to do. I was offered a job selling private jets, a wealth management role and other random jobs that I didn't really want.

After three whole months I finally decided that I wanted to be a Dubai recruiter. I tailored my CV accordingly, updated my LinkedIn profile and within two weeks I had three job offers!

Hopefully my point is obvious, those who know what they want are much more likely to get it.

If you are happy to get any job in Dubai, you are likely to end up with no job in Dubai!

Many of the clients that we work with become frustrated when they apply for huge numbers of roles and hear nothing back.

This typically happens when they haven’t decided on exactly what role they want, and instead believe that applying for more jobs will increase their chances.

Unfortunately, this approach rarely works and is often one of the major reasons that people seem to get stuck in their job search, here’s why:

It leaves recruiters in Dubai unsure as to how they can help you ‍

Recruiters in Dubai are tasked to source candidates that meet very specific requirements. Companies in Dubai are quite inflexible in regards to their requirements.

If your CV, LinkedIn profile or applications are too generic, Dubai recruitment agents will be unclear about what roles they should approach you for and whether or not you will be a good fit for the role for which they are recruiting.

It can show you lack intention and focus

Many people don’t realise that a single Dubai recruiter will likely be handling multiple roles at any given time and when they see the same candidate applying for lots of roles, even roles that they are not suitable for, it can undermine the candidate’s credibility, giving the impression that this candidate does not really know what job they want or what role they would excel in.

Your job applications will be low quality

It’s very easy to quickly click ‘apply’ on Dubai job boards and recruitment platforms, but this typically results in lots of low-quality applications, applications that have not been given enough thought or attention.

Generally, fewer, high-quality applications yield a greater degree of success than many low-quality applications.

‍ Deciding on exactly what kind of role you want will enable you to conduct some thorough research and to begin communicating the value that you can add to specific organisations on your CV and LinkedIn.

It will also provide you with more time to follow up on your applications with high-quality and personalised communication.

Everything You Need to Land a Job in Dubai on a Visit Visa

Get your cv professionally edited and make sure you get noticed, 2. create profiles on dubai job boards.

Signing up for the most commonly used job boards should play a role in your Dubai job search.

However, the extent of the role they will play will largely depend on the kind of role and level you are aiming for.

It’s important to understand that applying on job boards alone is unlikely to be the quickest route to finding a job in Dubai on a visit visa.

Having said this, my advice would be to register on a few key job boards sooner rather than later.

If you are planning to visit Dubai on a visit visa to look for a job, you should do this before you even arrive so that you don’t waste time once you land.

What are job boards in Dubai useful for?

Conducting your research.

Dubai job boards can be an effective means of scoping out and understanding the job market in Dubai, you should use them to;

• Find the names of recruitment companies, as well as understand the types of roles that they handle. You can then reach out to them directly.

• Get an idea of how active the market is at the moment. Fewer jobs on job boards is an indication of a slow market.

• Better understand how in demand your skills and experience are and even get some idea of the companies that are currently hiring. 

• Understand the salary levels that are on offer for the roles you desire.

Getting found by organisations and Dubai recruitment companies

Most recruitment companies and a lot of internal HR departments will use job boards to some extent.

• By uploading your CV and personal details you are more likely to get found as and when a recruiter or HR manager conducts a search for candidates with your skillset using a job board platform.

• Very often recruiters and HR managers will store the details of good candidates that they find on job boards for later. Registering on a job board can be a good way to get into the databases of recruitment firms or organisations that handle their own recruitment to some extent.

‍ Applying for jobs

This is the obvious one and it’s the main reason that people register on job boards, however, remember what we said in tip number one and don't just apply for anything and everything! It’s worth noting the following;

• Most job boards are designed to advertise jobs in the junior to mid-level range.

• Very senior or specialised roles tend not to be advertised this way but will often be recruited through executive search firms. 

• You can get more in-depth advice for using job boards in Dubai.

3. Get a Dubai telephone number

When we moved to Dubai, we were advised to get local Dubai phone numbers as soon as possible.

This was some of the best advice that we received, because the minute we updated our new local number on our CVs, LinkedIn profiles and job boards, we started to receive calls from Dubai recruitment companies.

Generally speaking, recruiters and organisations in Dubai prefer to attract local talent, people who are already located in Dubai for two reasons;

• It's less risky – when offering a job to someone abroad there is always a risk that they will choose not to relocate.

• It’s cheaper – Relocating someone from abroad comes at a cost, these costs can be avoided when hiring someone already in the country.

Having a Dubai number on your CV, job board profiles and LinkedIn profile tells recruiters and hiring managers that you are here and ready to go!

Take a trip to one of the many malls in Dubai as soon as possible, and visit an Etisalat or DU store and get yourself a pre-paid sim card.

Make sure you take your passport as you will need ID.

Also, don’t forget to change your location on LinkedIn to ‘Dubai’ so that you start showing up in searches for people based in the region.

​​4. Partner with Dubai recruitment agencies

One of the first things you need to do when embarking on your Dubai job search is partner with one or two Dubai recruitment agencies.

You should find identify recruitment agencies in Dubai that:

• Are specialists in your particular industry or area of specialisation. ‍

• Are reputable and trusted.

• Are willing to meet with you.

Take some time to read our dedicated article to find out what you should expect from a recruitment company in Dubai.

Download a copy of our 20 Top Recruitment Agencies in Dubai to find the recruitment agencies in Dubai that specialise in your industry and use the email address, website links and telephone numbers to get in contact directly.

You'll also get a copy of our Email and Inmail templates and scripts or contacting recruiters, which will help you to make a great first impression.

Once you have identified the Dubai recruitment agencies that specialise in your particular industry, and recruit for the roles that you are targeting, visit the company’s website and find the name of the recruiter in the team specialising in your field.

Next, call up the company and ask for that particular recruitment consultant by name. Explain a little bit about who you are, suggest a coffee chat and follow-up with an email to thank them for their time on the phone and attach an up-to-date copy of your CV.

Failing all of the above there is an alternative way to get on the radar of a recruitment company and that is by applying for a role that they are advertising.

Just make sure the role is a good fit for you, it’s important that you make a good first impression. If they like your profile they will get in touch and usually your CV will be added to their database regardless.

It is possible to arrive in Dubai on a visit visa and find a job.

However, your chances of successfully finding a job in Dubai on a visit visa will be greatly improved if you carry out the four above steps before or right after you arrive!

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[Guide] : How to Get a Job in Dubai on Visit Visa

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Table of Contents

The UAE is a top destination for professionals looking for improving their quality of life. However, to be able to work there you must have legal documents that allow you to do it. In this regard, many wonder how to get a job in Dubai on visit visa since this may look easier to accomplish.

Although you can get permanent and temporary jobs in Dubai on visit visa , you need to know how to do it legally. You could enter into the UAE with your tourist visa , but you should know that you can only work with an employment visa. Let’s observe:

Guide for How to Get a Job in Dubai on Visit Visa

Is it allowed to work in the uae with tourist visa, what tips can help you get a job on tourist visa, which steps should you follow to look for a job through visit visa, what are the common questions regarding getting a job on visit visa, how can connect resources help you find a job.

As a professional, you may be looking for excellent job opportunities in your career. Perhaps you’ve considered searching for a job abroad so you can get more money. However, to be able to work legally in another country you must have the legal documents that allow you to do it.

In some countries, it’s not allowed to search for a job while you’re on a tourist visa. But, in the UAE it’s different, since foreigners can search for a job while they’re on the country on a visit visa.

For this reason, many wonder how to get a job in Dubai on visit visa . Getting a job in the UAE can help you improve your quality of life and get an outstanding income.

Nevertheless, it’s essential to learn how to follow the regulations so you don’t have any issues with the authorities and Here you can learn how to hire employees from India .

What visa do you need to work in the UAE?

When you plan to travel to the UAE, you must apply for a tourist visa. With this document, you can enter legally and stay for the period established.

But if you want to work in the UAE, you must have a valid employment visa. So, your employer must apply for this visa if they want you to start working with them.

If you arrive with your tourist visa you can start your job search. If you wonder if In 3 months can we get job in Dubai , it’s possible since it’s more than enough time to get excellent results and Discover how you can have outstanding employees without upskill .

If you’re planning on entering the UAE to search for a job , you must know how to do it in compliance with the law. Knowing how to get a job in Dubai on visit visa can help you.

Although you can look for a job while you’re on your tourist visa, you must know that you can’t work in the UAE with this document.

Many expats wonder the following: can I work in UAE on visit visa ? And the answer to this question is no and Get to know how to hire remote developers for your business .

What happens if you decide to work without an employment visa?

When you get your job in the UAE, you have to carry out the process to change your tourist visa to an employment visa.

Here’s what can happen if you start working on a tourist visa:

• Non-compliance with UAE Labor Law .
• Risk of fines and deportation
• Get blacklisted. It means that you won’t be able to return to the UAE on an employment visa.

In addition, if you decide to start working while on your tourist visa, in case of a dispute with you employer, you don’t get to say anything.

If you’re looking for assistance with 90 days job seeker visa Dubai , here in Connect Resources we can help you and See how you can get your remote work visa in the UAE .

When you got your tourist visa, you can start planning your strategy on how to get a job in Dubai on visit visa . It’s important to plan with advance so when you arrive you can take advantage of the time you have.

Here we have some of the most useful tips for you:

Travel between October-February

The most important thing you must decide is when you plant to visit the country. You must travel in a time where it’s more likely to land a job.

Many advise to visit Dubai during October to February, since during these months there are more vacancies. Keep in mind that you must spend time building your network and reach out employers, so in these 5 months is more likely that you get results and Get an IT outsourcing service from Connect Resources .

Make a list of relevant companies

Before traveling to Dubai, you should make a list of companies that are relevant to your field. Get important details such as the address, phone, email and any other that may help you contact them once you get to Dubai.

Make sure to look for a company that ensures the change of tourist visa to employment visa in UAE .

Prepare your resume

Many professionals make the mistake of not having their resume updated . Work on your CV and make it professional. This is very important since it’s going to be the first impression for recruiters.

Highlight your skills and qualifications , and make sure to match them regarding your job profile. Also, include your experience in the right way so recruiters can’t oversee it.

Don’t waste time

When you enter the UAE you have a limited time to find permanent or temporary jobs in Dubai on visit visa . So, make sure to use it the best way possible. Don’t waste time visiting tourist places but focus on networking and attending recruitment events.

Once you land your job, you’re going to be able to explore the beauty of Dubai. But while you’re on your tourist visa you must focus on getting a job.

Approach recruiters

Learning about recruiters is also important. If you’re making a list for companies, you should also make one for recruitment agencies . This way you’re going to have more chances of landing a job because a recruitment firm can help you .

You can approach Connect Resources, so you can be part of our talent pool and increase your chances of getting your dream job and Learn how to choose an outstanding EOR for your business .

When you start applying the tips on how to get a job in Dubai on visit visa , you’re closer to landing your job.

In addition, it’s advisable to know which steps you must follow when you’re looking for a job. Here we have a summary:

Plan in advance

Before you arrive the UAE, you have to consider all the factors that this involves. Make sure to learn about work opportunities in your field, and which companies are recruiting during the time you plan to visit.

Develop a strategy on how you’re going to use the days you’re going to be there. Make a schedule regarding the events you’re going to attend and the companies you plan to visit and Contact Connect Resources to get Executive Search Services .

Search for jobs before you arrive

In 3 months can we get job in Dubai ? Although you can get a job in your 3-month visit, it’s advisable to start searching in advance.

Start searching in websites such as LinkedIn or job portals , so you can apply before you arrive. If you have any friends or relatives in the UAE, you can ask them to arrange job interviews for you once you get there.

Prepare your CV and Cover Letter

Have your CV and Cover Letter prepared. You can request a consultant to help you prepare an outstanding one. Make sure to not mention you’re on a visit visa and don’t specify how long you’re going to stay. Have your documents with you and ready to print or to send to an email so you don’t waste time.

Attend as many interviews as possible

Try to look for jobs that match your skills. In addition, make sure to highlight yourself as a top candidate. It’s probable that you get many interviews so don’t be too fussy about which ones you should attend.

Try to go to as many interviews as you can. By landing a job you’re able to get your employment visa, and you can start working on your career path and gain experience. This will allow you to grow professionally and develop your skills and Find out how international payroll outsourcing can help your multinational business .

Once you know how to get a job in Dubai on visit visa , you must still have some doubts about the process.

• Can your employer request you to work on tourist visa?

An employer is responsible for sponsoring you so you can get your employment visa. But, you can start working for them once you get it.

If your employer requests you to start working without having obtained your employment visa, you have to point out that they’ll be breaking the UAE Laws. Don’t start working for them until you get your labor approval and labor contract.

• What is the penalty for working on visit visa?

If you start working for an employer while you’re on your tourist visa you’ll be liable for paying a fine. It’s a Dhs 50.000 fine for incurring in this offence. In addition, your employer can also face a high penalty for employing people that don’t have a valid employment visa.

• Can you work in the UAE with a tourist visa?

Can I work in UAE on visit visa ? As we have mentioned before, foreigners can only work in the UAE with a valid employment visa. So, you can’t work in the UAE with tourist or visit visa.

• What happens after your tourist visa expires?

When you enter into the UAE with your tourist visa, you do it to search for a job. If your visa’s expiration date is close, you must exit the country prior to the expiry. If you have gotten a job, you’ll have to pay the necessary fees to convert it to an employment visa.

Keep in mind that your employer is the one who should pay the fees. You may still need to leave the country and then come back to process your employment visa.

If you want to know how to get a job in Dubai on visit visa , here in Connect Resources we can assist you. Our team of recruiters can advise you on how to prepare an outstanding CV and how to highlight your skills.

In addition, you can become part of our talent pool, so whenever an employer looks for a candidate like you, you can get the interview. When it comes to 90 days job seeker visa Dubai , we can assist you.

We can also help your employer with the change of tourist visa to employment visa in UAE . This way, you can have your legal documents so you can start working immediately. Our specialists ensure total compliance with regulations.

Would you like to contact Connect Resources for recruitment ?  You can call at  +971 433 166 88  or send an email to  [email protected] , and you’ll talk to one of their representatives that will gladly answer all of your questions

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UAE Jobseeker Visit Visa: All You Need To Know

Jobseeker Visit Visa in UAE

Are you looking to explore job opportunities in the dynamic and diverse market of the United Arab Emirates (UAE)? The UAE’s jobseeker visit visa might be just what you need. This unique visa allows foreigners to enter the country specifically to search for jobs, without the need for a host or sponsor within the country. Here’s a simple guide to understanding and applying for this visa.

Understanding the Jobseeker Visit Visa

The UAE offers a jobseeker visit visa with a validity of 60, 90, or 120 days. This single-entry visa is designed to facilitate individuals who are seeking employment opportunities in the UAE. It’s important to note that this visa is exclusively for job-seeking purposes.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for this visa, applicants must meet certain conditions:

• Professional Level : The applicant must be in the first, second, or third skill level as per the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) professional levels of jobs.
• Educational Background : The applicant must be a recent graduate (within the last 2 years) from one of the top 500 universities worldwide, as recognized by the UAE Ministry of Education.
• Minimum Educational Qualification : Holding at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent is mandatory.
• Financial Guarantee : Applicants must fulfil a prescribed financial guarantee.

Application Process and Requirements

Applying for the Jobseeker Visit Visa involves the following:

• Document Submission : You’ll need to provide a colored photo, a copy of your passport, and your attested qualification certificate.
• ICP Smart Services/UAEICP Mobile Application : Apply online using the UAE pass, or username, select the required service, fill out the application form and pay service fees.
• Customer Happiness Centers : If you are in UAE, visit a center and submit your application in person.
• Typing Centers : Accredited typing centers in UAE can also process your application.

Fees and Processing Time

• Request Fees : 100 AED
• Issue Fees : 200 AED
• Security Deposits : 1,025 AED
• Additional fees for e-services, ICP, and visa insurance also apply.

The processing time after submission is generally two working days for online applications, and one working day if submitted at Customer Happiness Centers.

Terms and Conditions

• Application Rejection : Incomplete applications or those missing information will be automatically rejected.
• Refund Policy : Fees and deposits can be refunded under certain conditions, processed through the original payment method or via cheque/bank transfer for UAE-based banks.

Points to Remember

• Ensure that your passport has at least six months of validity.
• Understand that this is a single-entry visa and is specific to job-seeking.
• Be aware of the processing times and plan your trip accordingly.

The jobseeker visit visa in the UAE is a fantastic opportunity for skilled professionals and recent graduates from top universities to explore job opportunities in a thriving economy. By understanding the eligibility criteria and following the outlined steps, you can embark on this exciting journey towards a potential career in the UAE. Remember to check for the latest updates and changes to visa policies and regulations before applying.

Good luck, and here’s to hoping you find the job opportunity that propels your career to new heights in the UAE!

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UAE visa amnesty inundated with jobseekers who arrived on tourist permits

Have you registered for The National ? For unlimited access to all our content head here to register for free

The majority of people seeking a reprieve in the first days of the UAE's visa amnesty had arrived in the country on tourist permits in the hope of securing jobs, a senior Dubai official said.

Speaking to The National , Maj Gen Salah Al Qamzi, assistant director general for violators and foreigners affairs at General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA), said most had failed to follow proper recruitment processes and end up going from one company to another looking for jobs.

The two-month government initiative , which began on Sunday and runs until the end of October, allows those with expired residency and visit visas an opportunity to settle their status or leave their country without incurring fines.

“Most people coming to amnesty centres had come [to the UAE] on visit visas to find a job and overstayed after their visa expired,” said Maj Gen Al Qamzi.

They don't have a CV or know how to apply online. They just go knocking on doors Maj Gen Salah Al Qamzi, immigration official

“Many of them don't know how to look for a job. They don't have a CV or know how to apply online. They just go knocking on doors.”

The UAE’s immigration laws states that those entering on a visit visa must be in the country for tourism purposes only, and not to look for employment.

It was in 2022 that the UAE introduced a special visa for jobseekers. The 60-day, multi-entry jobseeker’s visa is to help young talent and skilled professionals find employment in the country. It requires a sponsor or a host, and a different set of documents.

Maj Gen Al Qamzi said that some overstayers quit working for their sponsors, and continued to find alternate jobs without legalising their status.

“We noticed that many amnesty seekers had run away from their sponsors for various reasons and had not changed their status. They were working illegally, and have now decided to get their paperwork in order.”

Second chance

George Alex, 30, arrived in the UAE from Nigeria in 2019 on a visit visa but stayed on after finding a job as a mechanic in a car garage in Sharjah.

However, he lost his job after the pandemic but decided to stay on hoping to find another job.

His visa expired in 2020 and the overstay fines started adding up, leaving Mr Alex worried. The last four years have been tough for him. He was unable to take on new employment because he did not have the money to clear the fines.

“I was living in constant fear because I didn't know what would happen if I got caught,” Mr Alex told The National .

With fines amounting to more than Dh50,000, he is thankful that the amnesty is giving him a second chance. “I don’t want to go back home. I will check with the garage owner if they are willing to sponsor me again so I can change my status.”

Prossy Tebasulwa moved to Abu Dhabi from Uganda in 2017 on an employment visa, but things went awry when her recruiter did not renew her visa in July 2023.

The 41-year-old has been staying “illegally” for a year and was unable to find another job.

Talking to The National , she said she's ready to go home to her “three sons”.

“They are always asking me when I’m coming back home, and yesterday I finally told them that I will return as soon as I get my exit pass,” Ms Tebasulwa said.

At Dubai's Al Awir Centre, Ms Tebasulwa faced a minor setback when immigration officials were unable to process her exit pass because her visa was issued in Abu Dhabi. But, she used her time there to meet recruitment agents stationed at the centre.

“I went to the recruitment booth set up by the Transguard group, and submitted my interest for a job in the field of security,” she said.

“I'm so happy that the UAE amnesty is waiving our fines and giving us a second chance at finding a job.”

More companies are setting up bases at Al Awir Centre to offer jobs to amnesty seekers. “The number of recruitment companies positioned at Al Awir centre has now increased to 16,” said Maj Gen Al Qamzi.

Abdullah Lashkari, director of labour affairs at GDRFA, said that amnesty seekers who secure jobs must legalise their stay as soon as they can.

“Companies have been told that once the recruitment is done, the status of the workers must be changed within days and not months,” said Mr Lashkari.

The visa status can be completed at any of the 86 Amer Centres in Dubai or Al Awir.

“They need to come with their passports and other necessary documents to waive their fines and change status,” he added.

UAE visa amnesty inundated with jobseekers who arrived on tourist permits

Large numbers of people take advantage of flexible entry to the country but quickly find themselves out of cash.

September 04, 2024

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Tourist visa

A tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. You can apply for a tourist visa through airlines, hotels and travel agents. Read about the eligibility criteria and the steps to apply.

Multiple entry 5-year tourist visa

Who is a tourist visa for, who can apply for your tourist visa, related eservices.

The multiple entry 5-year tourist visa enables tourists to enter the UAE multiple times on self-sponsorship and remain in the country for 90 days on each visit, and can be extended for further 90 days. This type of tourist visa can be issued for all nationalities.

To obtain this visa, the applicant must have:

• a bank balance of 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies during the last six months
• a valid health insurance policy applicable in the UAE
• a ticket to and from the UAE

Documents required

To apply for the multiple entry tourist visa, the applicant must provide the following:

• a colored photo
• a copy of the passport
• medical Insurance
• bank statement for the last 6 months with a balance 4,000 USD or its equivalent in foreign currencies
• tour programme
• a ticket for onward journey.

Read related news coverage on  WAM .

Related online services

• Issue family group multiple entry long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP
• Issue multiple entries long-term tourist visa - 5 years - (all nationalities) – ICP

Tourist visa is for those who are not eligible for  visa on arrival  or a  visa-free entry  to the UAE. Tourist visa can be obtained for eligible individual tourists from around the world. Females below the age of 18 are not eligible to apply for this type of visa unless they are travelling with their parents.

According to a Cabinet resolution passed in July 2018, children under the age of 18 years who are accompanying adults, can get a  free visa for their visit from 15 July to 15 September each year.

Tourist visas through airlines

Each airline has some conditions, which must be met in order for your visa to be arranged by them. One of the conditions is flying with them. For more updated and specific information, check the following UAE-based airlines for visa types, facilities, terms and conditions:

• Visa services from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Visa Services offered by Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Visa services from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Visa services from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

Tourist visas through agencies and hotels

Licensed travel agents and hotels in the UAE can arrange a tourist visa for you provided you purchase the ticket through them and maintain hotel reservation with the specific hotel.

You can also contact travel agencies in your country for any tourist packages available to the UAE in collaboration with a local tour operator.

It is important to check the authenticity of travel agents you are dealing with and refrain from paying or sending copies of your official documents until after you are 100 per cent sure the tour operator is genuine. You can seek the help of the  UAE embassy in your country  for verification.

Note: The UAE embassies do not issue tourist visas. In order to get a tourist visa to the UAE, you need to get in touch with one of the UAE-based airlines, a tour agency or a hotel (where you intend to stay) in the UAE who will apply for visa on your behalf to the official  visa-issuing authorities  in the UAE.

• Tourist visa from Etihad Airways  - Etihad Airways
• Tourist visa from Emirates Airline  - Emirates Airline
• Tourist visa from Fly Dubai  - Fly Dubai
• Tourist visa from Air Arabia  - Air Arabia

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UAE: Overstayers must apply for visa amnesty in issuing emirate, says authority

Under the amnesty scheme, illegal expats can regularise their status and stay in the country, or fly home.

SM Ayaz Zakir

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Overstayers who wish to leave the UAE must apply for the visa amnesty in the emirate where their residency was issued, the authority in Dubai has clarified.

In a statement, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA) said: “Holders of residencies issued in other emirates who wish to leave the country must visit the emirate from which the residency was issued.”

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Those who wish to continue residing in Dubai after regularising their status can follow up with the emirate. “If they wish to remain in the country and obtain a job opportunity in the Emirate of Dubai, they can follow up on amending their status with Dubai Residency, regardless of their file with the other emirates,” the statement added.

This directive comes as part of the ongoing amnesty programme , which aims to assist overstayers in regularising their status and either leaving the country or securing employment opportunities.

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Air tickets, job offers: Foreign diplomatic missions step up support for UAE visa amnesty seekers

Some embassies, consulates have help desks to facilitate procedures for illegal residents

Dubai: Diplomatic missions in the UAE are intensifying their efforts to assist their nationals in regularising their UAE residency status or facilitating their return to their home countries, without fines or other penalties under UAE’s amnesty for illegal residents.

Several embassies and consulates have launched a series of initiatives, including providing discounted air tickets, securing job opportunities, and setting up dedicated help desks to guide amnesty seekers through the process.

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Indian Consulate

The Indian Consulate in Dubai has opened a help desk at the Al Awir Centre, the main hub of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai for amnesty-related procedures. This desk is designed to assist Indian applicants with various services, especially to issue the Emergency Certificate (EC). Illegal Indian expats wishing to return home can apply for the EC, a one-time travel document, also called an outpass, free of cost at both the consulate and at the Al Awir Centre.

Speaking to Gulf News after the opening of the ‘India Help Desk’ at the men’s tent in Al Awir, Consul General of India in Dubai, Satish Kumar Sivan, said the mission is supporting amnesty seekers returning home to secure air tickets if they cannot afford them.

“We are requesting the airlines to have some schemes where they can give highly discounted tickets or free tickets for Indian nationals,” said Sivan.

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He said the consulate would also make use of the Government of India’s scheme, Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF), to support amnesty seekers, provided they satisfy the guidelines.

“When there is a need for tickets, we will handle it on a case-by-case basis,” he explained.

Those regularising their status to stay back in the UAE, he said, can apply for short-validity passports through the outsourced service provider BLS International for a fee.

Sivan explained that the duration of a short-validity passport will vary based on individual circumstances, such as whether the original passport was lost, the type of visa held, or how long the passport has been expired. Regardless of its duration, having a short-validity passport allows individuals to regularise their stay and obtain a residence permit. “Subsequently, they can extend their stay and get regular passports.”

In the last amnesty period in 2018, he said the Indian Consulate issued around 4,500 emergency certificates and 2,500 short-validity passports.

Pakistani Consulate

The Pakistani Consulate in Dubai is also coordinating with airlines, including Pakistan International Airlines and other regional carriers, to secure discounted fares for Pakistani nationals returning home, Consul General of Pakistan Hussain Muhammad told Gulf News.

Speaking after a visit at the Al Awir Centre, he said the Pakistani Consulate in Dubai is responding to a significant increase in the demand for national identity cards and passport renewals.

He said the Embassy and the Consulate have implemented extended office hours, keeping the National Identity Card (NIC), passport sections, and attestation services open on Saturdays until the end of October to assist applicants needing to renew, update, or validate their documents. Additionally, the Out-Pass Sections are now available to issue out-passes and emergency travel documents for Pakistani nationals without passports, facilitating their return to Pakistan.

“We usually have around 700 to 800 applicants for passport renewals and about 150 for national identity card renewals daily. However, over the last 20 to 30 days, we have seen a significant increase in these numbers,” he said.

Muhammad said the passport renewal applications have jumped to between 1,000 and 1,200 on some days, and the National Identity Card renewals have risen to nearly 200 to 300.

He said the mission was monitoring the situation closely. “If the number of amnesty seekers continues to rise, we also plan to establish a dedicated help desk at the Al Awir Centre to assist with outpasses and other documentation, reducing the need for applicants to visit the consulate directly,” he added.

Nepalese Embassy

The Nepalese Embassy in Abu Dhabi has also been active in supporting its nationals. In response to the amnesty, the embassy has initiated discussions with airlines like Air Arabia and Nepal Airlines to secure discounted airfares for those returning to Nepal, Din Bandhu Subedi, Counsellor (Labour) told Gulf News.

According to him, the airlines have committed to provide discounts on a case-by-case basis, ensuring that the most vulnerable individuals receive the necessary support.

“We will refer such individuals getting outpasses from us to the airlines for offering them a discount,” he explained.

Additionally, the embassy has established a help desk within its premises specifically for amnesty seekers, staffed by additional personnel to manage the increased workload.

Bangladeshi Consulate

The Bangladeshi Consulate in Dubai has taken a slightly different approach, focusing on securing job opportunities for amnesty seekers who wish to remain in the UAE. The consulate is actively engaging with companies to facilitate employment for Bangladeshi nationals who have overstayed but are seeking to regularise their status and continue working in the UAE, the Press Wing of the mission told Gulf News.

In addition to employment efforts, the consulate has increased its outreach through social media and direct communication, urging Bangladeshis to prepare the necessary documentation to take advantage of the amnesty. The consulate has also set up additional counters to handle passport renewals and other consular services, ensuring that their nationals can complete the necessary processes efficiently, said a spokesperson of the Press Wing.

Sri Lankan Embassy

The Sri Lankan Embassy has responded to the amnesty with the creation of a dedicated section within the embassy to manage amnesty-related cases, a spokesperson told Gulf News.

This section is focused on expediting the process for Sri Lankan nationals, ensuring that they can navigate the amnesty with ease. While the embassy has reported a relatively low number of applicants so far, they anticipate an increase in the coming weeks as more Sri Lankans come forward to regularise their status or prepare for their return home.

Philippine Consulate

Meanwhile, the Philippine Consulate in Dubai also opened a help desk at the Al Awir Centre. On the inaugural day of the UAE Amnesty Programme on Sunday, Philippine Consul General Marford M. Angeles, led the Consulate’s Assistance-to-Nationals (ATN) Team to visit the centre and interact with the amnesty seekers from the Philippines and GDRFA officials.

He said the help desk provides assistance to Filipino applicants by addressing their inquiries concerning lost passports and procedures for obtaining travel documents, steps for securing exit passes for those intending to return to the Philippines, and guidance for individuals with job offers in the UAE.

The diplomats and missions have applauded GDRFA for providing a platform for spot interviews by around 15 companies at the Al Awir Centre and urged their nationals to make use of the opportunity to secure a job immediately after legalising their residency status.

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UAE visa amnesty: Lifeline for illegal residents & job seekers until Oct 30

Indian nationals wishing to return to india can apply for an emergency certificate at the consulate general of india (cgi) in dubai or the awir immigration centre.

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