In an apparent move to further boost tourism as well as allow the expatriate communities to bring their loved ones to the country, the UAE Cabinet announced the adoption of its first-ever, five-year multiple-entry tourist visa.
The policy is envisioned to allow a maximum period of six months for each visit during the five-year period.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said on Twitter that the move aims to establish the UAE as a “major global tourism destination” and is hinged on the country’s thrust for the next 50 years.
“The year 2020 will be different because it is the year of preparation for the next 50, the year in which we design the future of the Emirates,” His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid said on Twitter.
Currently, tourists can stay in the UAE on a multi-entry visa for only 90 days, after which they would have to exit to have their papers renewed.
Rejoicing
Filipinos in the UAE, especially those who have been wanting to invite their relatives as well as other tourists back home whose respective bucket lists include the UAE, rejoiced over the Cabinet’s approval of this sweeping visa reform for tourists.
The Cabinet chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum agreed to adopt the new visa rule in a bid to support the country’s tourism economy and solidify the country’s position as a global tourist hub.
His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum emphasized, “We are leaving this year behind and we are proud of our government working teams, and we are full of excitement and positive energy for the year of preparation for the next fifty years to come.”
Specific implementing guidelines, like fees, have yet to be issued as of press time, according to travel and tour agencies.
Applaud
Meantime, Consul General Paul Raymund Cortes hailed the move, saying: “This is a very positive development that reflects the confidence in the economy of the UAE and its capacity to attract great talents and minds from across the globe that feeds into the UAE’s highly innovative and creative society.”
Cortes has initiated a regular townhall meeting between Filipino community leaders and Dubai Police, the third and most recent of which was held a few weeks ago.
On the social media accounts of The Filipino Times, hundreds of Filipinos applauded the move.
Anabelle Bustamante, who has been working in the UAE for six years, said the new tourist visa rule would encourage thousands of Filipino expats to bring their families in the emirates for a vacation.
She added that the move also meant efficiency in terms of money and time as tourists need not secure visas for every visit.
“Such a great news, indeed. It is a multiple-entry visa, meaning tourists can now enter and leave the country as needed while their visa is valid as long as they bring supporting documents and of course their passport,” Bustamante said.
Rica Demetrio, a Filipina travel enthusiast, whose bucket list this year includes Abu Dhabi and Dubai, hailed the good news. “One of the many benefits of a multiple visa entry is that successful tourist visa applicants can save time and expenses as they no longer need to get necessary documents every single time they want to go and visit the UAE.
“With this new visa rule, I could bask in the beautiful beaches of the UAE as many times as I can for a period of five years. I, definitely, would not miss to visit each of the seven emirates.”
Visang pampamilya
Indeed, many Filipino parents as well as breadwinners now look forward as to how this new visa will enable them to see their family more frequently. Lito Oclarit, who works as a crane operator for over 10 years in the country, said this would be the perfect opportunity for him and his wife to apply the visa for their children.
“Para sa family, mas madali silang madadala dito dahil bukod sa expansion ng duration ng visa, multiple entry ito. So, pwedeng in and out ang mga bata. Kapag may okasyon na mas magandang dalhin sila dito o kapag out of school sila, at least makakasama naming mag-asawa ang aming mga anak.”
For Jenny Ann Maghari, a nurse and breadwinner of her family working for three years, this would give her more opportunities to fly her parents and siblings here to enjoy the beauty of the country instead of having to go on leave.
“Ito talaga pinaplano ko for the coming years – kung madadala ko sila dito, mas madali na para sa akin ang makipagbonding sa pamilya ko. Mahirap kasi sa aking mag leave dahil sa higpit ng schedule ko bilang nurse lalo na pag madami ang pasyente. Ang importante dito ay yung oras at ginhawa para makasama ang pamilya.”
While valid, a multiple entry visa will let travel to the emirates for a number of days at a time, usually a maximum of 90 days, as many times in five years.
With 2020 being declared as the Year of Preparation, residents and tourists alike can expect to score more inclusive and sweeping reforms in various facets and levels of UAE sectors including economy, education, health, immigration, infrastructure, space, among others.
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid affirms that the new tourist visa is just the beginning of a string of new initiatives that the country will witness this 2020 in their continuous drive towards progress in the Year of Preparation.
As His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum put it: “We want 2020 to be a year of development, growth and competition with leading countries in economy, competitiveness and wellbeing. We do not want our achievements to be limited to one segment of society. We want them to be diversified to touch the lives of seniors, children and people of determination, both for UAE nationals and residents, students and employees, entrepreneurs and investors, alike.”
The tourism economy of the country has seen a rise in the number of visitors, particularly for Filipinos that marked double-digit growths during the first nine months of 2019 in the number of visitors to 29% or a total of 352,000, according to data from Dubai Tourism.
What they are saying
Angel Gaddi, hotel manager
“This is good news! Get everyone in the family a 5-year visa and as soon as a seat sale hits, book agad. Ang Saya!”
Chris Calumberan, 2018 TFT Awards Photographer of the Year
“I pay respects and admiration to UAE leaders. The move will reduce the processing workload; promote ease for long-term visitations; and logistically keep a record for frequent visitors.”
Ferdz Bedana
“Mas masaya kasi mas matagal nating makakasama mga pamilya natin.”
Amor Echague, insurance specialist
“Kinukuha namin ang magulang namin; (ngayon) anytime pwede na silang pumunta dito at pabalik-balik pa na walang hassle pagkuha ulit ng visa; pero kung ang purpose ng tourist visa ay maghanap ng trabaho disadvantage sya.”
