DUBAI: Short of jumping in the air with joy, overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the UAE took to the internet to express elation over the UAE government’s implementation of sweeping reforms in its visa system, among which include provisions for a no-exit visa extension.
They were also asking about the catch: “How much?
A post about the news story on The Filipino Times Facebook page generated close to 8,000 engagements and about 200 comments mostly from OFWs inquiring about further details while at the same time welcoming the move.
“This is good for our kababayan who bears visit visa while searching job,” said Mhocks Pada.
Added Zac Marcus: “Great! More opportunities and chances coming.”
Travel agencies interviewed by The Filipino Times said overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who have their children staying with them in the UAE, stand to benefit the most as their young ones would no longer need to exit to have their papers renewed.
The Filipino Times learned that with the no-exit visa renewal costing a total of approximately Dh2,380, OFW parents, who would otherwise be spending a little over the same amount as they would prefer to accompany their child, now has the option to have the visa renewed without having to leave the UAE for the same amount.
“Advisable ito sa mga bata na yung nanay or tatay nila naka residence visa,” a staff at Al Shamsi Travels said.
The travel agent explained that under the new regulation, visa processing would cost Dh1,700. Added to this is the Dh680 fee for “change status” that the applicant will have to personally attend to with the UAE immigration bringing along his or her passport and the new visa as required.
According to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC), one of the reforms approved by the UAE Cabinet is the adjustment of visa status of visitors after the expiry date of their entry permit for visit or tourism without having to leave the country. They will be given a 30-day visit visa so that they will no longer have to exit the country.
Each of the 30-day visit visa costs Dh600 and can only be applied for twice.
