The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has announced major changes to its entry visa rules, unveiling four new categories designed for specialists in artificial intelligence, entertainment, events, cruise ships, and leisure boats. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) confirmed that the new rules will take effect from September 29, providing more flexibility and opportunities for foreign professionals.
As part of these updates, the UAE will issue one-year humanitarian residency permits, which may be extended under specific conditions at the discretion of the authority. Additionally, widowed or divorced foreign nationals will also be eligible for a one-year residency permit, renewable under the same guidelines. These steps reflect the UAE’s commitment to strengthening its residency system while supporting individuals facing difficult circumstances.
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The amendments also expand the visit visa sponsorship scheme, allowing individuals to sponsor friends or relatives up to the third degree based on their income. Business exploration visas will now require applicants to be financially stable, with the capacity to establish a new company, invest in an existing foreign firm, or demonstrate proven professional expertise. Truck driver visas will require sponsorship, along with strict health and financial guarantees to ensure compliance.
Moreover, the regulations set clear schedules for each visa type, including permitted stay durations and conditions for extension. These detailed guidelines are expected to make the process more transparent and consistent, preventing misuse of the system. The UAE authorities have emphasized that these reforms are part of a broader effort to regulate residency while aligning with the country’s long-term economic vision.
Earlier in March, Dubai introduced new laws addressing deportation and travel bans to close legal loopholes. The city replaced Resolution No. 7 of 2007 with Resolution No. 1 of 2025, ensuring stricter enforcement of expulsion orders and preventing delays caused by fraudulent legal claims. One of the most important provisions, Article 12—known as the “Resolution and Cancellation Clause”—ensures that conflicting regulations are automatically nullified, streamlining deportation and travel ban procedures.
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In recent years, some individuals facing deportation tried to exploit the legal system by falsely presenting themselves as debtors to delay expulsion. The new framework eliminates such loopholes and introduces a unified, transparent approach, ensuring that deportation and travel bans are implemented without unnecessary delays. These reforms highlight the UAE’s commitment to maintaining order while creating more structured pathways for genuine visitors, residents, and professionals.