São Paulo – The UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship announced that its visa system reform will start being rolled out next Sunday, October 21.
Three of the measures approved by the government’s Cabinet last June will become effective. One is a two-year extension option for parent-funded students after completing high school or university courses in the country.
Widows and divorced women and their children will also have a chance to extend their residence visas for one year in the event that their husbands should die or that they should become divorced, provided that they were living in the country due to being married.
Another new rule is an additional 30-day visa made available to tourists once their initial permits expire, without their having to leave the UAE.
“We want to ensure that everyone, visitors and residents stay secure and comfortably in the UAE,” acting director-general of Foreigners Affairs and Ports at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship Saeed Rakan Al Rashidi was quoted on the Khaleej Times website as saying.
Since last June, a visa waiver has been in place for Brazilian citizens entering the UAE as tourists, in transit or in business trips, as a result of an agreement entered into by the UAE and Brazil governments. The waiver is effective for 90 days, but according to the UAE Consulate General in São Paulo, these stays can be extended.
The visa waiver does not apply to study or work trips, which require specific permits.
Translated by Gabriel Pomerancblum
