UAE Launches AI Specialist Visa And Expands Humanitarian Permits

Illustration. (Wikimedia Commons/Slleong)

JAKARTA - The United Arab Emirates (UAE) last week unveiled a series of visa regulatory updates aimed at attracting artificial intelligence specialists, increasing live event tourism, and expanding support for people fleeing war zones and natural disasters.

A new visit visa category for experts in artificial intelligence, entertainment, events, cruise ships and cruise ships was introduced in the update.

Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) also announced amendments to the duration, provisions and eligibility requirements of a number of existing visas.

"These changes have been made to support the UAE's strategy of promoting global openness, attracting talents, entrepreneurs, and specialists, particularly in the fields of technology, artificial intelligence, entertainment and tourism," ICP said in its announcement.

This decision reflects studies conducted by the authorities on population trends and foreign relations at home, regional and internationally, ICP Director General Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili.

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"This update answers the needs of applicants, takes into account humanitarian and economic conditions, and encourages individuals to live, work, and explore opportunities in the UAE," he said, quoted from The National 2 October.

"This update will improve the quality of life, support trade and transportation, strengthen the technology sector, and drive the country's global competitiveness," he said.

Meanwhile, humanitarian residence permits, for a period of one year, available to people from countries that are at war or hit by natural disasters, can now be obtained without sponsorship. If the permit holder leaves the UAE, the permit will be canceled.

Next, widows and divorced women can now obtain residence permits without sponsors. This amendment allows divorced widows or women to obtain residence permits within six months of their husband's death or after divorce on condition that they are still in the country and their sponsors are husbands before divorce or death.

Visit visas for friends and relatives will allow sponsorship dependent on sponsorship income. For first-degree relatives, sponsors must earn at least 4,000 UAE dirhams (Rp 18,059,351) per month, and 8,000 UAE dirhams (Rp36,118,702) for second or third-degree relatives. To sponsor a friend, a minimum monthly income of 15,000 UAE dirhams is required (Rp67,722,567).

Meanwhile, business exploration visas will require solvability evidence that is in accordance with the intended business activities, or proof of professional practice through companies that already exist abroad.

Foreign truck drivers can now get a once-in or multiple-in visas, sponsored by licensed goods or transportation companies, provided with health insurance and financial insurance requirements.