UAE Cracks Down on Job Seekers: New Visit Visa Rules Tighten Airport Checks

Travellers planning a visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on a tourist visa should be aware of recently implemented stricter screening procedures at airports. The UAE immigration department is cracking down on individuals attempting to enter the country on visit visas to seek employment.

Increased Scrutiny for Job Seekers on Visit Visas

Hundreds of passengers from Kerala, India, were recently detained at Kochi and Kozhikode airports for lacking proper travel documents.

This heightened scrutiny comes after authorities identified a pattern of travellers using visit visas to enter the UAE for job-hunting purposes. Airlines have been instructed to deny boarding to passengers who cannot provide documentation of:

Hotel Booking: Confirmation of accommodation booked for the duration of their stay.

Financial Resources: Proof of sufficient funds to cover expenses during their visit. This currently requires a minimum of 3,000 dirhams (approx. US$817) for a one-month visa and 5,000 dirhams (approx. US$1,362) for longer stays. Credit cards with these spending limits are also accepted.

Also Read: UAE Allows Tourists to Extend Visit Visas Without Leaving the Country

New Guidelines for Visitors to Dubai

The UAE immigration authorities have issued the following guidelines for travellers on tourist visas:

1. Purpose of Visit and Accommodation

UAE immigration officials will question visitors on tourist visas about the reason for their visit, where they will be staying, and their financial plans for covering expenses. Visitors who cannot provide satisfactory answers may be refused entry into the country.

2. Prohibition on Employment

Tourists and visiting visa holders are strictly prohibited from working in the UAE. It is illegal for travel or recruitment agencies to offer employment opportunities to these visa holders, and such offers will lead to legal consequences.

3. Employment Visas

Individuals entering the UAE on employment visas must complete all necessary entry permit procedures before they are allowed to work. This ensures that all workers are legally documented and authorized to take up employment in the country.

Also Read: New Rules for 5-Year Multiple-Entry Tourist Visas in UAE: 10 Key Points

4. Tourist Activities

Tourists must furnish detailed information about their hotel bookings, return tickets, and proof of sufficient funds to support their stay. This measure is to confirm that their visit is genuinely for tourism purposes and that they are financially prepared.

5. Visiting Friends or Relatives

Visitors coming to the UAE to see friends or family must provide copies of their host’s visa and passport, as well as the host’s address, phone number, and details of their accommodation. This helps verify the legitimacy of their stay and their relationship with the host.

6. Documentation

Have readily available:

• Return flight ticket
• Hotel booking confirmation (if applicable)
• Proof of sufficient funds
• Contact information for any relatives or friends you plan to visit (if applicable)

Traveling with Confidence

By familiarizing yourself with these new regulations and ensuring you have the necessary documentation, you can avoid travel disruptions and ensure a smooth entry process into the UAE.