DUBAI: Most travel and tours companies in the UAE have taken a wait-and-see stance, monitoring the government’s immigration portal as sweeping reforms on the country’s visa system takes effect today.
“Nagpapakiramdaman pa kami. We are monitoring the Immigration system – the portal. It’s a wait-and-see situation,” said Malou Q. Prado, owner and managing director of MPQ Tourism.
Another travel agency said they haven’t received a notice and would proceed accordingly. “Nagulat na lang kami,” they said.
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.
Earlier, travel agencies said Overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), who have their children staying with them in the UAE, stand to benefit from the new measures as their young ones would no longer need to exit to have their visas renewed.
This is because no-exit visa renewal will cost 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.
