UAE ICP Announces New 60-Day Family Visit Visa Pathway for Select African and Asian Nationals
The UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) has introduced a new 60-day visa scheme allowing citizens from specific African and Asian countries to bring immediate family member
The UAE has launched a new immigration pathway enabling citizens from several African and Asian countries to secure a 60-day entry visa, with the option to sponsor immediate family members. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) detailed the updated framework, aiming to facilitate family visits and strengthen travel links.
Eligibility Requirements
This scheme targets ordinary passport holders from qualifying nations. To be eligible, applicants must possess a valid visa or residency permit from one of the following countries:
- United Kingdom
- United States
- Any European Union member state
- Australia
- Canada
- Japan
- New Zealand
- Singapore
- South Korea
Indian nationals also qualify under similar rules, with the additional acceptance of a valid US Green Card.
Covered Nationalities
The African and Asian nations whose citizens can apply under this scheme include:
- Kenya
- South Africa
- Indonesia
- Vietnam
- Thailand
- Philippines
- India
Family Sponsorship
Once a primary applicant obtains entry through this scheme, they are permitted to sponsor specific immediate family members for the same 60-day visit period. Eligible dependents include:
- Spouses
- Children
- Parents
- Parents-in-law
This policy is designed to keep families united during their visits to the UAE, streamlining the process compared to individual visa applications for each family member. The ICP has clarified that the pathway is exclusively for ordinary passport holders, excluding those travelling on diplomatic or official passports.
Questions, answered
- Which specific African and Asian countries are covered by the new 60-day UAE visa scheme?
- The scheme covers citizens from Kenya, South Africa, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines, and India. Indian nationals have slightly varied acceptable documentation including a valid US Green Card.
- What are the primary eligibility requirements for this new UAE visa?
- Applicants must hold an ordinary passport and possess a valid visa or residency permit from the UK, US, any EU member state, Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore, or South Korea. Indian citizens can also use a valid US Green Card.
- Who can a primary visa holder sponsor under this 60-day family visit visa?
- Primary visa holders can sponsor their immediate family members for the same 60-day period. This includes spouses, children, parents, and parents-in-law.
- Which UAE authority outlined these new immigration rules?
- The updated immigration framework was outlined by the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) on its official portal.
This brief was summarised and rewritten by Gaia Living from public reporting. Figures and details reflect the original sources.
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