1.New Visit Visa Categories Introduced
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) has launched four new specialized Visit Visas aimed at boosting innovation, tourism, and sectoral growth. These include visas for:
- AI professionals
- Cruise / maritime tourism
- Events & entertainment
- Related visitor categories
In addition, new or updated visa types include Humanitarian Residency Permits, residency paths for widows/divorcees, Business Exploration Visas, and Truck Drivers’ Visas.The Times of India+4The Times of India+4Moneycontrol+4
2.New Sponsorship Income Thresholds
Revised rules now impose minimum salary requirements on UAE residents who want to sponsor friends or family under Visit Visas:
- Sponsor must earn AED 4,000/month for first-degree relatives
- AED 8,000/month for second/third-degree relatives
- oAED 15,000/month to sponsor friends The Economic Times
3.New Document Requirement for Entry Permits
Applicants for UAE entry permits must now also submit a copy of the outer cover page of their passport (in addition to the regular passport main pages) as part of their entry permit application. The Economic Times+1
4.Crackdown on Visa Fraud
4.Dubai authorities recently fined 161 individuals over AED 152 million and ordered their deportation in what is described as one of the largest residency visa fraud cases. This underscores the UAE’s zero tolerance for irregular or fraudulent visa practices. The Times of India
5.No Official Visa Ban Confirmation
5.There has been speculation on social media that the UAE has suspended tourist or work visas for citizens of nine countries. But as of now, authorities have denied such reports, calling them “fake news.” The Times of India+1