The United Arab Emirates Federal Authority for Identification, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced new fines for violations related to Emirates ID and residence permit services. After the changes, the fines range from AED 20 to AED 20,000. For example, the fine for issuing visas or entry permits to an organization that does not engage in any activity is AED 20 thousand.
A total of 14 types of violations have been identified. They are divided into several groups, for each there is a fixed amount of fine. Among others, obstructing the work of ICP employees, refusal to cooperate with ICP and non-payment by the client for services rendered by ICP are subject to a fine of AED 5 thousand.
Other fines include:
AED 500 for:

• processing transactions through someone else’s e-dirham;
• expiration of the representative card;
• Failure to present the representative card when submitting transactions;
• violation of the system of work in service centers.
  In addition, a fine of AED 3,000 may be imposed for submitting incorrect data, and a fine of AED 20 per day (maximum AED 1,000) for failure to renew an Emirates ID within 30 days of its expiration date.

The Federal Authority for Identification, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security of the United Arab Emirates (ICP) has announced changes in the procedure for submitting health insurance policies for the extension of residence permits in that country. According to the changes, this can now be done remotely, electronically. It is no longer necessary to submit a “physical” copy of the policy. The innovation came into force on February 16.

The initiative will help residents of the country to extend their residence permit faster and easier. The project allows directly uploading health insurance policies issued by accredited insurance companies in the UAE electronically through secure communication channels.

Interested in applying for the UAE residency visa? Need consultation on residence permit issues? Contact our specialists!

The presentation of “Integrated Housing Center” took place in Dubai. This is a special service where you will be able to get 54 services related to construction, rental housing and land issues. The services will be provided by 4 government departments and two private companies.

“Integrated Housing Center” will provide support at all stages of building a house, including design advice, recommendations to reduce costs and assistance in obtaining bank financing. It will also be possible to select an area of land for construction through the service.

Through the “Center” will be available services, for example Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment, Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority, Dubai Municipality. In addition, two private companies like Emirates Islamic Bank and Sobha Realty will provide their services to users.

The service will be located in the Avenue Mall in Nad Al Sheba and will start operating in February 2024.

The UAE government has issued a Federal Law amending certain provisions of the Arbitration Law of 2018
One of the key changes in the law is the expansion of the scope of modern technological tools in all arbitration processes. Previously this was limited to meetings only. Another change is that confidentiality can be applied to all arbitration activities with the consent of the parties. This was also limited to meetings only.

Other changes include:

The possibility of appointing an arbitrator who is a member of the Board of Directors or Board of Trustees of the arbitration institution.

The introduction of legal consequences against the arbitration institution and the arbitrator in the event of a breach of the governing conditions, ranging from the invalidity of the award and civil compensation to the injured party.

Authorizing the parties to agree to arbitration procedures, including subjecting them to the rules of any arbitration organization or institution inside or outside the country, and authorizing the arbitral tribunal to determine them in the absence of an agreement that contradicts the basic principles of judicial proceedings and international conventions to which the UAE is a party.

Establishing the authority of the arbitral institution to determine the rules of evidence in the absence of an agreement and the absence of evidence from the applicable law.

Giving the arbitral tribunal greater authority over statements, both with respect to their admission and to assess their relationship to any fact, opinion, experience, time, method or form of exchange of such statements between the parties and the manner of their submission to the arbitral tribunal.

Dubai maintains its leading position in the MENA region as a city capable of attracting, retaining, and generating global flows of capital, people, and ideas. For the third consecutive year, Dubai has been ranked the best in the region according to the Kearney Global Cities Index. In this ranking, Dubai secured the 23rd spot globally, receiving a higher score than cities such as Barcelona, Istanbul, Boston, Frankfurt, Vienna, and Miami.

The authors of the study note that Dubai, as the commercial capital of the region, is the top choice for transnational corporations establishing their headquarters in this region. Among the city’s advantages, world-class infrastructure, favorable regulations for investors, a high level of safety in the country, and convenient transportation links with the world are highlighted.

The Kearney Global Cities Report evaluates cities based on five key parameters: human capital, information exchange, cultural experience, political engagement, and business activity.

As reported by the Emirati publication Khaleej Times, the issuance of tourist visas for a period of three months has been suspended in the country. This is the second suspension of permits of this type; the first occurred during the COVID-19 pandemic when 60-day visas were issued. However, in May 2023, the three-month visa became available again for applicants, but it turned out to be short-lived.

However, it is still possible to obtain a 90-day visa in Dubai, but they are only issued to applicants with close relatives residing in the Emirates.

What visas are currently available for obtaining in the UAE?

Despite the changes, several types of visas are available for visitors to the UAE.

Job Search Visa

Visas of this type allow entry into the UAE for job hunting and are available in three options (60, 90, 120 days). It is not necessary to have a sponsor or guarantor in the UAE to obtain it.

5-Year Multiple Entry Visa

This visa allows multiple entries into the country, but with a stay of no more than 90 days per visit. Investment Opportunity Search Visa (Single Entry)

The Investment Opportunity Search

Visa helps investors find potential partners or clients in the UAE. It can be obtained for 60, 90, and 120 days. This type of permit is intended for a single entry into the country, without the need for a sponsor or guarantor.

The United Arab Emirates has launched the Afseh mobile application, where incoming guests to the country can declare their possessions, including jewelry, precious stones, and metals.

Upon entry into the UAE, it is necessary to declare cash and valuables if their value exceeds 60,000 dirhams. This applies to all residents and visitors entering and exiting the country through airports, ports, and land borders.

The Afseh application was developed by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). The online declaration submitted can be edited if the amount changes upon entry or exit from the UAE.

After submitting all the data, UAE residents will receive a QR code via SMS and email. Upon arrival at the airport or border, they will show the customs officers the electronic letter. Additionally, the letter will help travelers exchange currency without any hassle. The application can be downloaded for free on Android and Apple platforms.