The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) in the UAE has announced a significant change in the enforcement of residency visa regulations. A new two-month grace period has been introduced for residence visa violators. During this amnesty period, violators can either regularize their status or leave the country without facing any penalties. The change will take effect from September 1, 2024.

Under the previous law, individuals violating residency visa conditions were subject to penalties and legal procedures. These penalties often included fines and other administrative actions.

This update has been officially announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) and reported through media outlets including Khaleej Times News and Gulf News.

Impact on employers.

Companies with employees currently in violation of UAE residency laws can take advantage of this amnesty period to regularize the status of these employees. By resolving these issues during the grace period, companies can avoid financial penalties and administrative burdens.

Newland Chase insight.

Newland Chase is ready to support clients in navigating the grace period for residence visa violations. Our services include:

• Advising on the steps required to regularize the status of employees.
• Assisting with any new residency visa applications that may be necessary.
• Providing detailed guidance to ensure compliance with the updated regulations.

Clients are encouraged to:

• Review the status of their employees’ residency visas.
• Utilize the grace period to address any violations without incurring additional costs.
• Contact Newland Chase for support and guidance on regularizing residency statuses and for any other related immigration services.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments. 

The post UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Grace period for residence visa violators. appeared first on Newland Chase.

On March 31, 2024, Japan launched a new residence status called “Digital Nomad Visa”. This visa allows eligible foreign nationals to remain in Japan for up to six months in a 12-month period and work remotely for their overseas employer. Digital Nomad Visa holders are permitted to carry out the provision of paid services or selling of goods to overseas clients and are geared towards professions such as software developers, digital designers, virtual assistants, or sole proprietors of foreign companies.

How do applicants qualify for this visa?

• Applicants must be a national of a visa-exempt country and a country with a bilateral tax treaty with Japan. 
• Applicants must be employed by and remunerated by their employers overseas. 
• Applicants must have a minimum annual income of at least JPY 10 million (approx. USD 68,300) or more at the time of application 
• Applicants must hold an insurance policy that covers death, injury, and illness during their stay in Japan. Coverage of 10 million yen or more for the costs of treatment for injuries and illnesses must be in place.

A Digital Nomad Visa-holder can bring a legally married spouse and children with legal parentage to Japan, provided they also meet eligibility criteria. The Digital Nomad Visa will come under the “designated activities” visa category. Refer to the table below for the list of eligible nationalities.

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

Nationalities Eligible for Japan’s Digital Nomad Visa

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments. 

The post JAPAN – Digital Nomad Visa Launched    appeared first on Newland Chase.

The Emirati Human Resources Competitiveness Council (Nafis) has introduced initiatives to increase Emiratization (also known as localization or nationalization) in private companies. Their aim is to have 75,000 Emirati citizens working in the private sector over the next five years. This is part of a trend that is also taking place in other countries in the region.

Companies with more than 50 workers: Emiratization rate will increase by 2 percent annually for skilled jobs, with the aim to achieve a 10 percent increase by 2026. Failure to meet the minimum ratio will result in a financial penalty of AED 6,000 per month for every citizen who has not been employed.

Companies with 20-49 workers: Companies are required to hire at least one Emirati national. From January 2025, the requirement will increase to two Emirati nationals. Failure to meet the minimum ratio will result in a financial penalty of AED 96,000 in 2024, which will be increased to AED 108,000 in 2025. The Emirati requirement will apply to companies in the following sectors:

• Information and communications 
• Financial and insurance activities 
• Real estate activities 
• Professional, scientific and technical activities 
• Administrative and support services 
• Education 
• Healthcare and social work activities 
• Arts and entertainment 
• Mining and quarrying industry 
• Manufacturing 
• Construction 
• Wholesale and retail trade 
• Transportation and warehousing 
• Hospitality services 

 Newland Chase Insight

Companies should review and monitor their recruitment policies to ensure they maintain the Emiratization ratio.  

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case or company-specific assessments. 

The post UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Emiratization ratio   appeared first on Newland Chase.

Foreign expatriates have been returning to Israel in greater numbers over the past two weeks. Individuals seeking to return but with upcoming or past visa expiration circumstances should consider submitting an application for a waiver from consular processing. We recommend liaising with a specialist immigration provider for support with this as the approval of waivers requires strong justification and a compelling case needs to be submitted to Israeli immigration authorities.

Foreign nationals seeking to secure work authorisation in Israel should be aware that, effective January 1, 2024, the minimum monthly prevailing wage for foreign national experts has now increased to NIS 24,758—up 5.5 percent from 2023.

Additionally, from within Israel, the US Embassy has resumed non-immigrant and immigrant visa services. Appointments are available on the scheduling site for Israelis seeking to schedule interviews for H, L and E employee applications, as well as O and other non-immigrant visa classifications. The State Department has extended the interview waiver program for certain eligible non-immigrant applicants who wish to renew their visas. Israeli nationals may qualify for interview waiver if they apply in Israel; have no prior visa refusals (unless waived or overcome); and display no apparent or potential ineligibility. Renewal applicants must apply within 48 months of the prior visa’s expiration date. It should be noted that in-person interviews may still be required based on individual cases and at the discretion of the Consular Officer.

As the Israel-Palestine crisis continues to evolve, CIBT will continue to monitor any developments and provide updates as necessary.

Friday 10 November Update:

The Ministry of Interior in Israel are yet to provide further information regarding an automatic extension to work visas for foreign employees beyond 9 November.

Further to our previous alert advising that expiration dates of valid work visas would be extended up to 9 November 2023, immigration authorities have not yet released an additional automatic extension of work visas for foreign employees or published any official guidelines to clarify the situation.

Foreign nationals who have already departed Israel with visas due to expire whilst they are outside of Israel must have their visa extensions processed at Israeli consulates before the expiry of their current visas. Due to the complexity and evolving nature of the conflict, we recommend liaising with immigration providers for further advice as several Israeli consulates worldwide are working with reduced hours or are currently closed. All matters, including the lack of clear government guidelines for visa extensions, should be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and will depend on various factors including the employee’s nationality, physical location, and visa expiration date as well as other considerations.

For some consular matters, there may be a possibility to submit a special request for a waiver from consular processing and to instead have this completed in Israel, However, should this be successful, work activities can only commence once the visa processing is complete in Israel (which may take an additional 1-2 days).  We would recommend that all employers of foreign nationals seeking to extend their stay in Israel, begin the process for visa renewals three months prior to their visa expiration date to allow for sufficient time for work visas to be processed.

Meanwhile, the Rafah crossing from Gaza into Egypt continues to open periodically. This week, a number of foreign passport holders and some injured evacuees passed through the crossing following a two-day suspension.  The Rafah border crossing is the only exit from Gaza that does not border Israel.

As the Israel-Palestine crisis continues to evolve, CIBT will continue to monitor any developments and provide updates as necessary.

Wednesday 01 November Update:

The Rafah border crossing connecting Gaza with Egypt has reopened for the first time since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas.  Severely injured Palestinians requiring hospital treatment as well as dual national foreign passport holders have been permitted to evacuate Gaza.  The embassies of the people permitted to leave the warzone have been informed in advance.  It is expected that further evacuations will take place in the coming days.

Meanwhile, Israeli immigration authorities have advised that that the expiration date for all visas (other than B-1 work visas) – which were due to expire before 8 February 2024, will automatically be extended to 8 February 2024. Additionally, foreign nationals working in the domestic caregiving and agriculture sectors whose work permits were due to expire between 7 October 2023, and 7 January 2024, will now be granted an extension of three months from the expiration date of each permit.

Unless any further announcements are made regarding extensions, visas should be extended following the regular extension process.  As mentioned previously, all visa holders with an expiration date prior to 9 November 2023, including work visas, will automatically be extended to 9 November 2023.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs have now closed Israeli embassies in the following countries: Egypt, Jordan, Bahrain, Turkmenistan, and Morocco.

As the Israel-Palestine crisis continues to evolve, CIBT will continue to monitor any developments and provide updates as necessary.

Friday 27 October update:

Immigration authorities in the United Arab Emirates have placed additional security checks on Palestinian and Israeli nationals applying for visas required to obtain employment and dependent permits.  Additionally, Newland Chase has observed an increasing trend of visit visa refusals from Lebanon, Egypt, and Palestine.

It is still possible for Israeli citizens to enter the UAE, and the UAE is still granting visa on arrival for tourism/business meetings.

Currently, it is not possible for Israeli nationals to enter Lebanon, Egypt, Qatar or Saudi Arabia unless there are humanitarian grounds to apply for an exemption to enter these countries. As the conflict develops, we anticipate that additional countries may consider restricting entry for Israeli citizens.

Finally, a growing number of countries are advising their citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon at this time. The US State Department has raised its advisory for Lebanon to Level 4: Do Not Travel. The US embassy in Lebanon is advising American citizens who wish to depart Lebanon to leave immediately, due to the unpredictable security situation. International flights from Beirut–Rafic Hariri Airport are still operating, though at reduced capacity. The US Embassy in Lebanon further is offering potential financial assistance to Americans wishing to leave Lebanon, but who lack funds.

Tuesday 24 October update:

Cyprus to assist with evacuation and repatriation 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Cyprus have implemented the Special National Plan ESTIA to support with the evacuation and repatriation of foreign citizens from an area in crisis.

Special National Plan ESTIA is activated in times of emergency or crisis, to allow for the safe evacuation of civilians from a nearby crisis area (in this instance the wider Middle East region) through Cyprus.  More specifically, in consultation with the embassies of 26 countries (including the US, Denmark, UK, Portugal, Holland, Belgium and Germany), Cyprus will operate as a transit for foreign nationals seeking to return to their home countries. Cypriot authorities are arranging temporary accommodation, food, and special return flights to transport foreign citizens back to their country of nationality.  The Special National Plan ESTIA is not applicable for Israeli or Palestinian nationals.

Holders of Israeli passports can enter Cyprus as visitors, without a visa for stays that do not exceed 90 days within a six-month period provided that their passport will be valid for at least three months at the date of departure.

Palestinian nationals cannot enter Cyprus as visitors and will need to apply for a visa. If they are already holders of a visa allowing entry to Cyprus, it is recommended to check with their embassy their individual status to find any available options.

As the Israel-Palestine crisis continues to evolve, CIBT will continue to monitor any developments and provide updates as necessary.

Friday 20 October update:

Israeli citizens eligible for visa-free travel to US effective immediately

The US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) have announced, with immediate effect, that Israeli citizens will be permitted to undertake short-term travel to the United States under the U.S Customs and Border Protection (CBP), Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) scheme.

US authorities had previously designated Israel into the U.S. Visa Waiver Program effective 30 November 2023, however the implementation date has now been brought forward due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.  Successful applicants will be able to enter the United States for tourism or business purposes for up to 90 days. Israeli citizens and nationals who currently have a valid B-1/B-2 visas can also continue to use them for business and tourist travel to the United States.

Eligible Israeli citizens and nationals must have a biometrically enabled passport book. ESTA applications may take up to 72 hours for processing. The ESTA application will be available in English only at this time and is expected to be available in other languages by 1 November 2023.  ESTA is an automated system that assists in determining eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Upon completion of an ESTA application, travellers are notified of their eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program. Holders of non-biometric, temporary, or emergency travel documents, or travel documents from a non-Visa Waiver Program designated country will not be eligible for an ESTA but can instead apply for a U.S. visa.  Additionally, any individuals intending to stay in the United States longer than 90 days should consider applying for a visa instead of an ESTA.

Eligible travellers can apply online for authorization to travel to the United States through the ESTA at esta.cbp.dhs.gov or by downloading the “ESTA Mobile” app through iOS App Store or the Google Play Store.

Rafah border remains closed to Palestinian and foreign nationals in Gaza

Meanwhile, Palestinians and all foreign nationals continue to be unable to evacuate from Gaza across the neighbouring border to Egypt. In addition to border sites with Israel being closed, the Rafah crossing on the border of Egypt and Gaza remains shut meaning that it is not possible to evacuate the ongoing war taking place in Gaza.

As the Israel-Palestine crisis continues to evolve, CIBT will continue to monitor any developments and provide updates as necessary.

Friday 13 October update:

On 12 October 2023, the immigration authorities in Israel (known as the Population, Immigration and Border Authority ‘PIBA’), have announced that they will be closed to the public until further notice.  No indication has been provided regarding the duration of the closure.  This is likely to cause a further delay to work permit applications currently in process in Israel and/or at Israeli Consulates internationally.  For up-to-date information on the specific locations of the office closures, we recommend reviewing information on the PIBA website (piba.gov.il) or on telegram at: https://t.me/pibaIsrael.

Travel to Israel continues to be severely impacted by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine. Whilst some scheduled flights are operating as normal, individuals planning to enter or depart Israel should anticipate delays or cancellations.  The Ministry of Interior desk at Ben Gurion Airport Terminal 3 should be contacted in case an emergency passport is required for any individuals who has a flight booked within a 48-hour period.  More information on eligibility and issuance of emergency passports can be found on the PIBA website (Issue a emergency passport(temporary) or travel document | Population and Immigration Authority (www.gov.il))

As the Israel-Palestine crisis continues to evolve, CIBT will continue to monitor any developments and provide updates as necessary.

Wednesday 11 October update:

Further to our client alert on 9 October 2023, the security situation in Israel and Gaza remains unstable due to the ongoing conflict.  Ben Gurion Airport remains operational and commercial airlines are continuing flights to and from Israel, albeit with several scheduled flights being delayed or cancelled. As of 11 October, there have been no reported consular or embassy closings in Israel. This could change at any time and we will continue to monitor the situation and advise accordingly.

Immigration authorities in Israel have confirmed that the expiration dates of all currently valid work visas expiring for the next month will be extended until at least 9 November 2023. After this period, if no subsequent notification is issued, work permits or visas will need to be extended in accordance with the standard procedures.

Work permit applications currently in process may be delayed due to staff shortages within the immigration authorities in Israel and/or at Israeli Consulates internationally. As the Israel-Palestine crisis continues to evolve, CIBT will continue to monitor any developments and provide updates as necessary.

Monday 9 October:

The attacks by Hamas against Israel on Saturday have sparked a crisis situation across the country. CIBT has been monitoring the situation to determine how travel in and out of Israel will be affected.

As of Monday morning, there were no reported consular or embassy closings in Israel. This could change at any time, and we will continue to monitor the situation.

The US State Department in an official announcement is saying “the situation in Israel remains dynamic” but has not as yet issued a formal travel advisory. The State Department has published the following information for US citizens in Israel, saying: “US citizens seeking to be in touch with the US Embassy in Israel, can call 1-833-890-9595 (toll free) and 606-641-0131 (local). For the latest security alert regarding Israel, please click here.”

Meanwhile, the government of the United Kingdom issued an urgent advisory warning people to “avoid travel to Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories.” The Foreign and Commonwealth Development Office has specifically warned against all travel to Gaza, the Sheba’a Farms, and Ghajjar, as well as any areas within 500 meters of the borders with neighboring Lebanon and Syria, as well as all but essential travel to areas in the northern West Bank.

In terms of travel, Ben Gurion International Airport – Israel’s primary international airport – remains open, though sporadic closures due to Hamas rocket attacks are possible. A number of airlines, including America, Delta, British Airways, and Lufthansa, cancelled flights to Tel Aviv over the weekend and are scaling back operations this week. Anyone with a scheduled flight to or from Israel should check with your carrier on the current status of your flight.

Cruise lines are also being affected by the conflict. On Saturday both Holland America Lines and Oceana immediately suspended shore excursions and hastily left the port of Haifa in northern Israel on Saturday. Most cruise lines are either diverting from scheduled stops in Israel or canceling shorter cruises entirely.

The situation in Israel is rapidly developing. CIBT will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are consulates and embassies in Israel operating differently in light of the conflict? Will there be delays in visa and work permit issuance?

As of October 13, we have no reports of foreign embassy or consulate closures in Israel, though this may change as the conflict goes on, so please follow Newland Chase’s blog and social media accounts for updates.

On 12 October 2023, the immigration authorities in Israel (known as the Population, Immigration and Border Authority or ‘PIBA’), have announced that they will be closed to the public until further notice.  No indication has been provided regarding the duration of the closure.  This is likely to cause a further delay to work permit applications currently in process in Israel and/or at Israeli Consulates internationally.

Does CIBT provide services in the region?

Yes, we can provide travel document services to the region, including providing visas.

Can business travelers still move in and out of the region?

Yes, there are no broad travel bans currently in place, though some governments, like the United Kingdom and United States, are advising against travel to the region in general and are saying not to travel to Gaza specifically.

Flights into and out of David Ben Gurion airport – Israel’s main international airport – are subject to delays and cancelations, with some airlines stopping flights into Israel.

Can tourists still move in and out of the region?

Yes, there are no general travel bans currently in place, though many governments are advising against travel to the region. Flights into and out of David Ben Gurion airport – Israel’s main international airport – are subject to delays and cancelations, with some airlines stopping flights into Israel.

Cruise lines have been diverting away from port calls in Israel, and ending shore excursions, so if you are traveling to Israel as part of a cruise, the itinerary will likely remove any stops in Israel.

Anyone traveling to Israel currently for tourist purposes should exercise extreme caution and register with your country’s embassy in Israel upon arrival so you can be contacted in case of emergencies.

What precautions should foreign nationals in the region take?

If you are a foreign national currently in the Israel/Palestine region (or even in a neighboring country such as Lebanon or Jordan which could see fighting spill over into their countries) we recommend you register with your country’s embassy or consulate in case support is needed at any time.

US citizens should enroll in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program), which both lets local embassies and consulates know you are in the region and provides you with emergency alerts and advisories.

It is also important to keep a copy of your travel documents (copies of your passport, national ID cards, travel visas, work permits, etc.) with you at all times. Also monitor local media for real-time information on any potential disturbances in your immediate area.

Can Israelis travel to the United States without a visa?

Yes. A visa-waiver scheme between the US and Israel was scheduled to go into effect in November. Due to the ongoing conflict, the visa-waiver program has begun immediately. Israelis can now travel to the US for periods up to 90 days without a visa. For longer stays, a visa will still be required.

Can foreign nationals who are currently in Gaza leave?

Foreign governments have been working to arrangements for their citizens currently in Gaza to leave, though mobility is greatly affected by active military operations. The foreign nationals should plan to leave via the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt. The Rafah crossing has been open for limited periods of time for humanitarian reasons since the beginning of the conflict. Foreign nationals should work with their local embassy or consulate on procedures to leave Gaza.

How long is this conflict expected to last?

There is no way to tell, though we will work to provide information and travel document service for the duration of the conflict.

Where can travelers get regular updates?

Our staff is following developments in the region closely and will provide updates on any announced travel restrictions or embassy/consulate closings. Please follow our social media channels and our blog for updates.

Links
Blog: Immigration Insights – Newland Chase Global Immigration Services for Corporations & Individuals
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cibt/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cibtcorp
Twitter: https://twitter.com/CIBTGlobal

The post ISRAEL/PALESTINE – Urgent Travel Advisories and Changes appeared first on Newland Chase.

It is important to note the eVisa requirement does not apply to individuals who hold passports from the 69 countries which are part of Japan’s visa exemption program.

For example, this means an individual who has an Indian passport and is residing in the United States would need to apply for the JAPAN eVisa before their vacation to Japan, while an individual who lives in the US and holds a US passport would not since the US is one of the countries currently in the visa waiver system.

The eVisa can cover a tourist visit of up to 90 days and is only available for visitors who arrive in Japan by airplane. Visitors who expect to stay longer than 90 days or are traveling for purposes other than tourism would not be eligible for the eVisa.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

The post JAPAN – eVisa Extended to 11 Countries appeared first on Newland Chase.

The UAE government has ended its grace period policy for expats and foreign nationals who overstay their visitor visa in Dubai and the ICP has standardised the overstaying fines in the UAE. The immigration authorities in all emirates have discontinued the grace period for foreign visitors who failed to exit the United Arab Emirates within their visa validity period or to extend the duration of stay permissible under the visa they used to enter the country. However, individuals who entered the United Arab Emirates on a visa-on-arrival will still have the 10-day grace period applied.

Key Points:

• Visitor visa holders will no longer be given a 10-day grace period if they overstay their visa in Dubai. Previously, visitors were able to stay in Dubai 10 days past their visa’s expiration date without being fined.
• According to the new rules, visit, tourist and residence visa overstaying fees have standardised at AED 50 per day (about US$13.60) per day. Those overstaying on a residency visa will have to pay AED 50 each day (AED 50 per day instead of AED 25).
• Fines can be paid through the immigration authority’s website or directly at the immigration counters on departure.
• Visitor visa holders can apply for a 30-day extension visa through authorized travel or tourism companies.

Hence, for UAE Visit visa holders who intend to stay in the country beyond their visa’s validity it is recommended they should apply for an extension in advance to avoid fines and penalties. All visitor visas holders must leave the country or extend their visa to avoid overstay fines. This regulation does not affect nationalities eligible for 30 – or 90-day visas on arrival.

Sources of information:

Dubai: Grace period for visit visas scrapped; fines to apply as soon as permit expires, say travel agents – News | Khaleej Times

Dubai removes 10-day grace period for visit visas (thenationalnews.com)

Re-entry permit is now available to some residents

The UAE government launched a re-entry permit for UAE residents who stay outside of the country for more than six months provided they meet the below criteria:

1. The UAE residence visa holder must have a valid residence permit for at least a year.
2. No restrictions that prevent the traveller from entering the country should exist.
3. The work or residency card needs to include the profession.

Key Points:

• Residents of the United Arab Emirates who have been outside the country for valid reasons as stipulated by the government such as study, work, or medical reasons for more than six months can apply for the re-entry permit.
• Previously, residents’ permits were cancelled without the option of applying for a re-entry permit if they stayed outside of the country for more than six months.
• To apply for the re-entry permit, residents must submit a copy of their Emirates ID, passport and a written reason for their delay in entering the country.
• Foreign nationals holding golden residence permits are not eligible for the re-entry permit. Golden Visa holders, can remain abroad for as long as needed without it affecting their residency status.

Sources of information:

Entry permit for residents in the GCC countries (gdrfad.gov.ae)

Re-entry permit for UAE residency visa holders explained: Cost, eligibility, refund, how to apply – News | Khaleej Times

ICP Smart Services

Entry validity period extension made available

The UAE government recently announced that it would allow foreign nationals to apply for an entry period extension if unable to enter the country.

Key Points:

• Foreign nationals who are unable to enter the United Arab Emirates within the initial 60-day validity period of their visa can now extend their entry validity period for an additional 60 days. To apply for the validity extension, individuals must:
• Submit an extension application from outside the country through this website or the UAE PASS application.
  • Upload supporting documents.
  • Pay applicable fees.
• Previously, foreign nationals who were unable to enter the country within the initial 60-day period had to apply for a new visa to enter the country.
• The entry validity period extension is available for all visa types.

UAE Authorities are now offering the 60-day entry validity period extension to increase flexibility and simplify immigration procedures for foreign nationals who are unable to travel to the country within the initial 60-day period.

Source of information:

Extend Entry Permit – Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (icp.gov.ae)

UAE and Azerbaijan – visa free tourist travel

The United Arab Emirates and Azerbaijan have developed very strong, reliable friendship and brotherhood relations and necessary steps are continuously taken to expand the cooperation in industry, energy, agriculture, communication and high-tech, also in transport, trade, investment, tourism, launching of new airlines, education and culture.

Following the attempts between the governments of Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates have signed a bilateral agreement allowing visa-free entry for nationals of each other’s country. Under the waiver, nationals of the United Arab Emirates can now travel to Azerbaijan for tourism for up to 90 days without a visa. Similarly, nationals of Azerbaijan can travel to the United Arab Emirates for tourism for up to 90 days without a visa.

Source of information:

UAE and Azerbaijan offer visa-free travel – Arabian Business

Emiratisation expanded to smaller companies

In 2021, the government of the United Arab Emirates first announced the launch of a federal program called Nafis, to support the training and recruitment of Emirati citizens in the private sector due to their relatively high level of unemployment in this sphere. Nafis is a governmental federal program aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the Emirati human resources and empowering them to occupy jobs in the United Arab Emirates’ private sector over the next five years. It was launched as part of the “Projects of the 50”, which aim to accelerate the development journey of the UAE.

In 2022, for mainland registered private sector companies with 50 or more employees were required to increase their Emirati workforce in excess of their current quota through a 2% year on year increase until they reach 10% in 2026.

Key points

• Following the above the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) has now announced that effective January 1, 2024, companies with 20-49 employees operating in 14 key economic sectors will be subject to Emiratization requirements.
• Enterprises that fail to abide by these new Emiratisation rules will be subject to annual financial contributions. An amount of Dh 96,000 will be imposed on those who do not hire an Emirati citizen as stipulated for the year 2024. The fine increases to Dh 108,000 for the next year, 2025.

Source of information:

Nafis | Emirati Talent competitiveness council

UAE expands Emiratisation to private sector firms with less than 50 employees | Government – Gulf News

Immigration Insights

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

The post UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Quarterly Update 2023 appeared first on Newland Chase.

The scheme is called the Involuntary Loss of Employment (ILOE). Employees can subscribe for it online, or through any other authorized insurance providers.

To be eligible to receive compensation under the insurance scheme, applicant must complete a minimum of 12 consecutive months in his/her previous job, calculated from the day applicant subscribed to the insurance scheme. Once applicants are eligible, they will receive 60 per cent of their basic salary for three months if they lose their job due to reasons beyond their control.

There are a few exempted categories of employees:

• Investors (owners of companies they work at)
• Domestic helpers
• Temporary-contract workers
• Juveniles under the age of 18
• Retirees who are entitled to a pension and joined a new job

Employees working in private companies in Free zone that is not registered to MOHRE should select ‘Non-Registered in MOHRE’ upon clicking the www.iloe.ae and input the details to proceed with registration. It will take approximately three to five minutes to complete the registration.

Previously employees working in the Free zone or with a semi-government organization were exempt from the registration rule.

If employees working in the UAE fail to subscribe to the scheme once the deadline has passed, they face a fine of AED 400.

Immigration Insights

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

The post UAE – Unemployment Insurance Expanded appeared first on Newland Chase.

An ETA is a new requirement for individuals who do not need a visa to come to the UK. If granted, an ETA provides permission to travel to the UK and will be electronically linked to the applicant’s passport.

Who is required to obtain an ETA prior to travel?

UKVI have published that the “ETA scheme will apply to third country national (i.e. not British or Irish) passengers visiting the UK or transiting the UK who do not currently need a visa for short stays, as well as those using the Creative Worker route for a short stay”.

Nationals of Qatar will require an ETA if travelling to the UK from 15 November 2023.

Other nationals of the countries set out below will require an ETA prior to traveling to the UK from 22 February 2024:

• Bahrain
• Jordan
• Kuwait
• Oman
• Saudi Arabia
• United Arab Emirates

It is anticipated that further countries will be added to the scheme in due course. UKVI have stated that they intend for the ETA scheme to apply worldwide for visitors, including those visiting from Europe “by the end of 2024”.

Who will not require an ETA?

An ETA is not required for those who are British, Irish passport holders, or those who have existing permission to live, work or study in the UK or hold a visa to enter the UK.

Those that are legally resident in Ireland and do not require a visa to visit the UK, will not need to obtain an ETA if they are travelling from one of the below:

• Ireland
• Guernsey
• Jersey
• Isle of Man

What will ETA holders be permitted to do in the UK?

ETA holders will be permitted to:

• Travel to the UK for up to 6 months for tourism, visiting friends/family, on business or study.
• Travel to the UK for up to 3 months via the Creative Worker visa concession.
• Transit through the UK.

How do I obtain an ETA?

UKVI have confirmed that an ETA can be obtained by making an application via the UK ETA app or online via the GOV.UK website. Applicants will be asked to provide biometric details.

A decision is sent via email confirmation within 3 working days and the ETA linked electronically to the passport used to make the application. Travellers are advised to travel to the UK using the same passport linked to the ETA.

What is the duration of an ETA and Costs?

An ETA is stated to be valid for a period of 2 years. It will be multiple entry. Those who are eligible to use the ePassport gate will still be able to do so, alternatively at arrival, the individual will need to see a Border Force officer to enter the UK.

Interestingly, UKVI have confirmed that if the ETA holder obtains a new passport in less than 2 years, they must apply to obtain a new ETA.

Whilst a specific fee has not yet been announced, it has been stated by UKVI that the “cost of an ETA will be in line with similar international schemes, and individuals can make multiple visits to the UK over a 2-year validity period.”

What happens if I am refused an ETA?

Alternatives to an ETA would be to:

1. Apply for a standard visitor visa
2. Apply for a transit visa
3. Apply for a Temporary Work – Creative Worker visa

If you have any compliance queries on the above or which are more nuanced please contact us directly on Discovery@newlandchase.com For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to the UK, please contact us.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

The post UNITED KINGDOM – Electronic Travel Authorizations appeared first on Newland Chase.

The scheme will be implemented for “non-visa nationals” who do not require a visa before traveling to the UK and nationalities entitled to the Electronic Visa Waiver. Those eligible will receive a pre-approved digital travel authorization to enter the UK. Through this scheme, the UK government aims to strengthen security checks in advance of an individual’s arrival and should also result in a more seamless entry process at the UK border for all travellers.

This scheme will be rolled out in stages and is anticipated to be fully in force by the end of 2024. The first stage will be in private beta testing. The second will see the scheme rolled out to nationals of Qatar, Kuwait, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, and the third to the rest of the eligible nationalities.

FAQs:

Who will need an Electronic Travel Authorisation visa waiver to enter the UK?

The full list of eligible countries are yet to be confirmed but it is expected that non-visa nationals such as those from EEA member states, Australia, USA, New Zealand, Japan, Brazil, etc will need to apply prior to entering the UK. It will also be rolled out for the Gulf States currently eligible for the Electronic Visa Waiver.

It will not be required for British or Irish nationals or those with valid permission to enter or remain in the UK.

The ETA will be required for those wishing to enter the UK for transit purposes or as visitors for Tourism, Business, Short Term study, and Medical Treatment.

What will the application process be?

Individuals applying for an ETA will be required to complete a short application form and provide their biographic, biometric and contact details. This information will then be checked and assessed to determine whether the person can travel to the UK. Individuals are expected to receive their ETA within a short time of submitting their application.

Is the ETA a visa?

The ETA is not a visa. On arrival at the UK border, an individual will still need to obtain leave to enter, as per the current process.

Will there be a fee?

Fees have yet to be released although it is likely to be in line with similar schemes available in countries such as USA, Australia, and Canada.

What will happen if I don’t apply for an ETA before traveling?

Airline carriers will be expected to confirm that an ETA has been obtained prior to travelling to the UK. Otherwise, individuals may be liable to a penalty charge.

UK Visas and Immigration will use interactive “advance passenger information” (API) to confirm whether an individual has the appropriate permission to travel to the UK and return an electronic message to the airline carrier confirming the same.

Further information

Once the scheme is available, employers should ensure that eligible employees intending to visit the UK for business purposes apply for their ETA in advance.

Newland Chase will continue monitoring any developments.

Organisations and individuals impacted by this development are encouraged to contact a Newland Chase immigration specialist for case-specific advice.

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to the UK, please contact us.

The post UNITED KINGDOM: Government to Implement ETA Scheme appeared first on Newland Chase.

To be eligible to receive compensation under the insurance scheme, the applicant must complete a minimum of 12 consecutive months in his/her previous job, calculated from the day applicant subscribed to the insurance scheme. Once applicants are eligible, they will receive 60 percent of their basic salary for three months if they lose their job due to reasons beyond their control.

There are few exempted categories of employees mentioned below who are not required to enroll for this scheme:

Exempted Categories

• Investors (owners of companies they work at)
• Domestic helpers
• Temporary-contract workers
• Juveniles under the age of 18
• Retirees who are entitled to a pension and joined a new job
• Employees working in the Free Zones

If employees working in UAE mainland fail to subscribe to the scheme once the deadline has passed, they will face a fine of AED 400 (unless the deadline is extended), and if the employee fail to pay the insurance premium after subscription then a further fine of AED 200 will be imposed.

Below is the list of authorized channels where the employees can enroll to the scheme.

1. Insurance Pool website – www.iloe.ae
2. Al Ansari Exchange
3. Kiosk machines
4. Telecommunication bill payment channels (through du and etisalat)
5. Insurance Pool smartphone application – ‘iloe’
6. Bank ATMs and smartphone applications
7. Businessmen service centers

Immigration Insights

As always, don’t hesitate to reach out to your Newland Chase dedicated contact or submit an inquiry here should you have any specific questions regarding this announcement.

This immigration update is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for legal or scenario-specific advice. Furthermore, it is important to note that immigration announcements are subject to sudden and unexpected changes. Readers are encouraged to reach out to Newland Chase for any case- or company-specific assessments.

The post UAE: Unemployment Insurance Scheme Launched appeared first on Newland Chase.