ABU DHABI 5 October 2022: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has approved the rules and procedures of the New Visa Scheme for the United Arab Emirates.
The new system was launched on Monday, 3rd October, 2022.
This step is an implementation of Cabinet Resolution No. 65 concerning the executive regulation of the Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021 concerning the entry and residence of foreigners.
The ICP has documented the conditions and rules implementing the decision, as well as the work guidelines of the unified system for tourist, medical and educational entry visas, said Wam.
Major General Sultan Yusuf Abdul Rahman Al Nuaimi, Director-General of Residency and Foreigners Affairs at the ICP, said that the approval of the conditions and rules are clear and cover all visas across various types and durations. This includes more than 15 types of visas, such as tourist entry visas, golden and green residencies, and entry permits for truck drivers through land ports, those covering neighbouring countries, for workers on cruise ships and such, entry permits to visit friends or relatives, among others.
The new criteria and rules include the conditions for visas to explore opportunities to start a business, as well as for holders of specific international residence visas and for humanitarian cases, Al Nuaimi said.
The new system also covers procedures and requirements in cases where passports or ID cards are lost or damaged, whether the holder is inside or outside the country.
Al Nuaimi explained that the ICP has approved the guidebook on the unified system for tourist, medical and student visas, defining the responsibilities, powers, procedures, criteria and conditions for the issuance of each type of entry visa, as well as applicable administrative and financial fines.
Major General Sultan Al Nuaimi urged all those who wish to know the rules or conditions related to the new visa scheme to contact with customer service at 60052222222, or submit requests through the ICP’s website www.ICP.GOV.AE and the UAEICP smart app, or through the typing centres in the country.