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Khaleej Times
20-05-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
'New lease on life': UAE's visa waiver brings Sudanese back from the brink
A mother of three, whose family faced over Dh18,000 in visa overstay fines, is among the many who have found a new lease of life after the UAE announced a full waiver of residency and tourist visa violations for Sudanese. The waiver, effective from May 19, 2025, through the end of the year, comes as part of the UAE's ongoing efforts to support those displaced by the conflict in Sudan. Om Hanin, who arrived in the UAE in July 2023 after fleeing the war in Khartoum, said her family had overstayed for three months and was drowning in fines. "We didn't know how we would ever pay. Every day felt heavier than the last," she recalled. Her children, too young to understand the legal weight of their situation, watched as their mother struggled to hold the family together in a foreign land. Her husband, she said, was left behind in Sudan after refusing to abandon his elderly mother, who was unable to travel. "He stayed for her. Then one day, he left to get food from a nearby town and never returned. We haven't heard from him since." The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) decision to waive all overstay fines has brought financial relief and emotional reprieve for families like hers. Another Sudanese expat, Mohamed Issam, had been preparing to fly back to Port Sudan to make his way to Khartoum, which began stabilising in March. "A lot of Sudanese started going back," he explained. "But what stopped me was my fines. I had over Dh6,000 in fines, and I was going to borrow the money from a friend to fix my visa before travelling." His plans were disrupted when the Port Sudan airport recently came under attack. "That means I'm still here, but at least my fines will be waived," he said. Mohamed sees the visa waiver as "divine mercy" and is now focused on finding employment in the finance sector to rebuild his life. The news has also brought hope to those on the frontlines of helping affected Sudanese in the UAE. Mr Awad Allah, who runs a typing centre in Deira, said he sees dozens of Sudanese residents daily looking for guidance. "Whenever it feels like doors are closing, the UAE opens another with even more mercy," he said. "People come to us desperate, not just for paperwork help but for reassurance that they're not alone." Awad Allah, who also maintains a popular TikTok account sharing updates on Sudanese residency issues, recounted a moment from a recent livestream. "Two days ago, a man joined the live and shared his hope that the UAE would extend its support by offering the amnesty so he could renew his Crisis & Disaster Countries Visa for his family. "This waiver is not just about fines," Awad added. "It's about hope. The Sudanese people here are in real need, and this gives them more than time, it gives them dignity." Sudanese expats are strongly encouraged to begin their application process as early as May 19 through ICP's online services and regularise their visa status without penalty. Ongoing conflict in Sudan The visa fine waiver comes amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan, which erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The fighting has devastated cities like Khartoum and displaced millions internally and across borders. Many Sudanese fled with little notice, leaving behind essential documents and facing uncertain futures in foreign countries. UAE haven during regional instability The UAE has consistently extended humanitarian support to those affected by the crisis. In 2023, Dubai and Sharjah airports became temporary havens for Sudanese passengers stranded in the country due to the closure of Khartoum Airport and flight cancellations. On April 25, 2023, Khaleej Times reported that 13 Sudanese passengers were stranded at Sharjah International Airport due to the conflict. The Sharjah Emergency, Crisis, and Disaster Management Team (ECDMT) provided the travellers with temporary accommodations and necessary care. Dubai Airports also extended support to Sudanese transit passengers affected by flight cancellations. Passengers who had flown into the Emirate from different countries were offered temporary accommodation until they could travel to Khartoum or choose to fly to other destinations. Authorities offered visa flexibility, shelter, and assistance to those unable to continue their journeys due to closed airspace and grounded flights. The new fine waiver builds on these earlier efforts, reinforcing the UAE's role as a haven during times of regional instability.
Time Out Dubai
16-05-2025
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
6 UAE visas you don't need a boss for
If you're looking to land a long-term UAE visa and don't want to chase a boss for sponsorship, then these might take your fancy. When long-term residency visas such as the golden visa were first launched in the UAE, they were largely aimed towards those who work in key industries. But in the past few years, the process has become a lot more open, and it's possible to be eligible without the need for a traditional nine-to-five. Gamers, influencers, volunteers and more are now able to get their hands on long-term residency permits. Blue visa The 10-year blue visa has officially been launched (Credit: Canva) Officially launched in 2025, the blue visa will grant 10-year residency to people who have made extraordinary contributions to protecting the environment. Candidates for the blue visa will need to be experts in a range of fields including environmental sciences, marine biology and climate action. While many of the criteria for the blue visa include professional achievements in the environmental field, global award winners and activists are entitled to apply for the long-term UAE visa. For more information on the blue visa head here, and to apply for the blue residency, check out the Federal Authority For Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security site. Dubai influencer visa (Credit: Canva) Social media influencers, photographers, writers or any other type of content creator are all able to apply for a golden visa. The creators' visa is eligible for people with a proven track record of impactful content, content creation award winners, show potential for creating value by contributing to the UAE's creative community and those who can demonstrate consistent growth and engagement. A Creators HQ, which will act as your sponsor, was established in 2025 and aims to grant long-term visas to up to 10,000 content creators. Humanitarian volunteers ITP Media Group partners with Dubai Cares for long-term support in the region. Credit: Dubai Cares First announced on World Humanitarian Day in 2021, this visa applies to humanitarian volunteers as well as those who work in a humanitarian organisation. Relevant criteria for volunteers include anyone who has carried out at least 500 hours of service, a minister has nominated them as a humanitarian pioneer and those who have won an award of appreciation from a local or international organisation specialising in humanitarian work. Outstanding students and graduates Students and graduates could qualify for a long-term UAE visa (Credit: Canva) Top students and high achievers in the UAE's secondary school system, top UAE university graduates and high achievers from the best 100 universities worldwide are all able to apply for long-term residence. University students with a grade point average of no less than 3.5 are eligible to apply for the golden visa, while high school students who have obtained an average rate of at least 95 percent in their certificate are also eligible. The families of these students will also be included in the golden visa. UAE gaming visa The Dubai gaming visa aims to grow the industry in the emirate (Credit: Adobe Express) The Dubai government has set up a special website dedicated to the Dubai Program For Gaming 2033, which will focus on bringing talent, content and tech for the industry to the emirate. Dubai aims to increase its Gross Domestic Product by Dhs3.6 billion ($1 billion) by 2033 from gaming alone and create 30,000 jobs in the industry. Aimed towards those who make video games, including smaller indie games, the visa form states it is looking for animators, educators, designers, developers, producers and publishers. UAE investor visa Property investors can qualify for the golden visa if the property's value is Dhs2 million or more, regardless of whether it's off-plan, completed or mortgaged. There is no minimum down payment requirement for the visa application to go through. You could also be entitled to a golden visa if you have made significant public investments including a deposit of no less than Dhs2 million in a company's capital, if you're a partner in a company's capital with no less than Dhs2 million or if you have a letter from the Federal Tax Authority stating that you either pay the government Dhs250,000 annually or that you're a partner in an establishment that pays Dhs250,000 in tax annually. Essential guides to living in Dubai How to live in Dubai without working You need a self-sponsored visa The best restaurants in Dubai More than 50 tried and tested venues Dubai happy hours: Best bar deals, offers and discounts Cheap drinks every night of the week? You've come to the right place
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
UAE launches 10-year Blue Residency visa for global sustainability contributors
Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Also Read: UAE introduces 5 new categories for Golden Visa eligibility The United Arab Emirates has started accepting applications for a 180-day multiple-entry visa from individuals currently residing outside the country. The initiative, launched by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), allows eligible individuals to enter the UAE and complete the necessary steps to obtain the Blue Residency – a 10-year visa designed for contributors in the fields of environmental protection, sustainability, and clean or renewable energy, as per a report by Gulf Blue Residency targets individuals who have made notable contributions in environmental and sustainability-related sectors. According to the ICP, the visa is open to several categories: influential figures who have positively impacted sustainability and climate-related fields; scientists and researchers with global achievements, approved by the UAE Scientists Council; investors and entrepreneurs in green sectors; and specialists working in environmental roles within UAE-based per the report by Gulf News, applications for the visa can be submitted online via the ICP's official website or mobile application. The authority has outlined a four-step process: filling in personal and supporting details, uploading necessary documents, making payment, and submitting the application. Once submitted, applicants receive a confirmation by email. ICP states the application takes about seven minutes to complete, and the service is usually processed within one working day, provided all requirements are apply, individuals need a passport valid for at least six months, a recent coloured personal photo, and documents verifying their eligibility in the sustainability field. The ICP confirmed that this service is available around the clock, following the approved terms and Blue Residency programme was first announced during the World Government Summit held in February this year. In its initial rollout, 20 global thought leaders and innovators in sustainability were granted the visa. This programme is part of the UAE's broader efforts to encourage innovation and leadership in sustainability, complementing its existing Golden and Green Residency initiative also includes an electronic nomination system for government bodies operating in sustainability sectors, allowing them to submit candidate details for ICP's approval. The UAE aims to support long-term environmental progress by attracting and retaining talent focused on renewable energy, climate change, and sustainable development.
NDTV
14-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
UAE Opens Blue Visa For Expats: What Is It And How To Apply
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has started allowing eligible individuals to apply for its multiple-entry visa, which is eligible for 180 days (or six months) from the date of entry. Called the 'blue visa', the document will grant a 10-year residency to people who have made extraordinary contributions in certain field as listed by the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). The categories mentioned by ICP are environmental protection, sustainability, and clean and renewable energy. The blue visa was first announced in 2024 and officially launched this year. Now, eligible individuals can apply for the coveted visa whether they are based in the UAE or abroad. Who Will Benefit? According to Gulf News, distinguished individuals who have made positive impact in the said fields can apply for blue visa. Scientists and researchers with significant global achievements, investors and entrepreneurs operating in the field of environment, climate change and sustainability, and specialists working in government and private environment institutions within the UAE. The emirate is focusing more and more on sustainability and this category of visa aligns with the country's long-term goal of making the UAE more sustainable. It celebrated 2024 as second consecutive Year of Sustainability. How To Apply For Blue Visa? ICP has a smart services platform and mobile application where eligible individuals can apply. Here are the steps: Open the website or app, fill in the required information like email ID etc Give proof of work and accomplishments in the field of environment A valid passport with at least six months of validity Pay the applicable fees Submit the application The transaction will be confirmed via email How to Apply for the UAE Blue Visa from Outside The Country This is an important step if you are applying for the UAE's blue visa from India or any other country. As of Tuesday, May 13, 2025, the application process for the six-month visa is officially open. What You'll Need: A valid copy of your passport A recent colour photograph Documents proving your eligibility for the blue visa Application Process: Fill out your personal details in the online application form Upload the required documents Pay the applicable fees Submit your application Receive a confirmation email once your transaction is complete According to ICP, the entire process takes just seven minutes. "The service is completed within one working day once all documents are verified," the agency said in a brief statement. Blue visa is an extension of the highly sought after golden visa that has been into existence for some time. It also provides a six-month validity period, which can be extended once.
CairoScene
11-05-2025
- General
- CairoScene
UAE to Waive Visa & Residency Fines for Sudanese Citizens
Starting May 19th, Sudanese citizens in the UAE can regularize their status without penalties until the end of the year. May 11, 2025 The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced a temporary waiver of fines for Sudanese nationals related to residency permits and entry authorisations. Effective from May 19th, 2025, the exemption will remain in place until the end of the year, allowing Sudanese citizens residing in the UAE to regularize their status without incurring penalties. Applications for renewal or status correction must be submitted through the official digital platforms of the Authority.
