Important Updates
Important Updates
September 29, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: White House Seeks Supreme Court Review of Birthright Citizenship EO Constitutionality
September 29, 2025 | United States, United KingdomGlobal Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike
September 29, 2025 | IndiaIndia: Electronic Arrival Card to Replace Paper Disembarkation Card
September 29, 2025 | IrelandIreland: Prompt Residence Permit Renewal Necessary to Ensure Christmas Travel
September 29, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Preparing for a Potential Federal Government Shutdown on October 1
September 29, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: White House Seeks Supreme Court Review of Birthright Citizenship EO Constitutionality
September 29, 2025 | United States, United KingdomGlobal Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike
September 29, 2025 | IndiaIndia: Electronic Arrival Card to Replace Paper Disembarkation Card
September 29, 2025 | IrelandIreland: Prompt Residence Permit Renewal Necessary to Ensure Christmas Travel
September 29, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: Preparing for a Potential Federal Government Shutdown on October 1
September 29, 2025 | United StatesUnited States: White House Seeks Supreme Court Review of Birthright Citizenship EO Constitutionality
Subscribe
Fragomen.com home
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
Search Fragomen.com
  • Our Services
    For EmployersFor IndividualsBy IndustryCase Studies
  • Our Tech & Innovation
  • Our People
  • Our Insights
    Worldwide Immigration Trends ReportsMagellan SeriesImmigration AlertsEventsMedia MentionsFragomen NewsBlogsPodcasts & Videos
  • Spotlights
    Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump AdministrationTravel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle EastImmigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance RoadmapHumanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)Vietnamese ImmigrationView More
  • About Us
    About FragomenOfficesResponsible Business PracticesFirm GovernanceRecognition

Our Services

  • For Employers
  • For Individuals
  • By Industry
  • Case Studies

Our Tech & Innovation

  • Our Approach

Our People

  • Overview / Directory

Our Insights

  • Worldwide Immigration Trends Reports
  • Magellan Series
  • Immigration Alerts
  • Events
  • Media Mentions
  • Fragomen News
  • Blogs
  • Podcasts & Videos

Spotlights

  • Navigating Immigration Under the Second Trump Administration
  • Travel & Mobility Considerations: Situation in the Middle East
  • Immigration Matters: Your U.S. Compliance Roadmap
  • Humanitarian and Evolving Legal Pathways (HELP)
  • Vietnamese Immigration
  • View More

About Us

  • About Fragomen
  • Offices
  • Responsible Business Practices
  • Firm Governance
  • Recognition
Select Language
  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German

Select Language

  • English
  • French
  • French - Canadian
  • German
ContactCareersMediaClient Portal
  • Insights

Consular Process to be Required for Some Employment Visa Applicants

June 6, 2016

insight-news-default

Country / Territory

  • United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

United Arab Emirates

Employment visa (entry permit) applicants from certain countries will soon have to process their immigration applications through designated UAE consular service centers in their home country before entering the UAE, according to an announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

Applications for employment residence permit renewal as well as new residence visa applications for dependents will not be impacted by this change.  Further details are expected in upcoming months, including applicability of the new process to employers in free zones.

Anticipated Steps for Employees

It is expected that the below steps will be required for affected foreign nationals to be able to enter the UAE:           

  • The foreign national will have to sign an MOHRE-approved employment offer letter (in effect since January 1, 2016);
  • The foreign national’s employer will have to obtain a work permit and employment entry permit in the UAE;
  • The foreign national will have to undergo a medical examination in an accredited clinic in their home country; and
  • The foreign national will have to visit a UAE consular service center to submit biometrics and application documents and to obtain an entry visa endorsement.

There are no changes to in-country processes, including a second medical examination, Emirates Identification registration and employment residence permit endorsement.

Affected Countries

In phases, foreign nationals from the following countries will need to obtain consular approval prior to entering the UAE:
 

  • Bangladesh;
  • Egypt;
  • India;
  • Indonesia;
  • Kenya;
  • Lebanon;
  • Nigeria;
  • Pakistan;
  • Senegal;
  • Sri Lanka; and
  • Tunisia.

The list may be extended at the later stage.

Consular service centers are now available in Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya and Sri Lanka. The MOFAIC plans to open more consular service centers in Egypt, India, Lebanon, Nigeria, Senegal, and Tunisia during this year and additional centers in Egypt, India, Nigeria and Pakistan in 2017.

What This Means for Employers and Foreign Nationals

Due to the new consular process for certain foreign nationals, affected travellers should ensure they have an additional blank page in their passport (in addition to two pages that are already mandatory) for entry visa endorsement. Affected foreign nationals residing in a third country will be required to travel to their home country to apply for the entry visa.

Employers should prepare for longer processing times and potential additional costs related to the visa process.

This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the global immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen  or send an email to [email protected].

© 2016 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved. 

Country / Territory

  • United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Related offices

  • Dubai (DIC)

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Share

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn

Explore more at Fragomen

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike

Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Learn more

Blog post

UAE Golden Visa: Work Permit Requirements for Employers and Professionals

Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump's $100,000 Visa Fee Threatens Wall Street's Pipeline of Junior Bankers and Tech Talent

Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.

Learn more

Media mentions

Asharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد

Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Spotlighted in Financial Times for 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Investopedia: ICE Crackdowns Are Changing Workplaces: 37% of Americans Report Feeling Less Safe at Work

Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.

Learn more

Awards

The Best Law Firms™ in Germany 2026 Recognizes Fragomen

Fragomen has been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms™ in Germany, earning a Regional Tier 1 ranking in Hessen for Labor and Employment Law.

Learn more

Media mentions

Khaleej Times: $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee to Boost Demand for UAE's Golden, Freelance, Remote Work Visas

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses a rise in inquiries about UAE residency and remote work programmes amid global talent mobility trends.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Sponsor Licence Revocation: What HR and Mobility Leaders Need to Know

Partner Rajiv Naik, Senior Manager Thomas Kingsmill and Manager Ko Ito highlight rising UK sponsor licence revocations and how HR and mobility leaders can manage the impact.

Learn more

Media mentions

Reuters: Financial Firms to Feel Outsized Impact From Trump's H-1B Overhaul

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the $100,000 H-1B fee and its impact on financial, banking and technology firms relying on international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

CNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa

Partner Louise Haycock highlights how the UK's immigration system and Skilled Worker visa changes support employers in planning talent pipelines.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Wall Street Journal: Tech’s H-1B Debate: Is Trump’s New Fee a Solution or Setback?

Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.

Learn more

Media mentions

Global Mobility Lawyer: Lawyers Try to Make Sense of Trump’s Confusing H-1B Fee Hike

Partner Bo Cooper explains that while new H-1B fees affect future petitions, US opportunities for international talent remain highly valued.

Learn more

Blog post

UAE Golden Visa: Work Permit Requirements for Employers and Professionals

Assistant Manager Charo Medida explains the work permit requirements for employers and professionals under the UAE Golden Visa programme.

Learn more

Media mentions

Business Insider: Trump's $100,000 Visa Fee Threatens Wall Street's Pipeline of Junior Bankers and Tech Talent

Partner Bo Cooper explains how proposed H-1B fee and lottery changes impact hiring of skilled international talent across sectors.

Learn more

Media mentions

Asharq Al Awsat: السعودية تمضي مع «رؤية 2030» بدعم التصنيع والتوطين وتوسع الاقتصاد

Partner Haider Hussain underlines the role of talent mobility in shaping future growth sectors in the Kingdom.

Learn more

Fragomen news

Fragomen Spotlighted in Financial Times for 2025 Innovative Lawyers Europe Awards

Fragomen is recognised by the Financial Times for its innovative work in workforce mobility and cross-sector collaboration.

Learn more

Media mentions

Investopedia: ICE Crackdowns Are Changing Workplaces: 37% of Americans Report Feeling Less Safe at Work

Partner Daniel Brown outlines steps companies can take to support employees and maintain smooth operations during compliance-related situations.

Learn more

Awards

The Best Law Firms™ in Germany 2026 Recognizes Fragomen

Fragomen has been recognized in the 2026 edition of The Best Law Firms™ in Germany, earning a Regional Tier 1 ranking in Hessen for Labor and Employment Law.

Learn more

Media mentions

Khaleej Times: $100,000 H-1B Visa Fee to Boost Demand for UAE's Golden, Freelance, Remote Work Visas

Partner Shayan Sultan discusses a rise in inquiries about UAE residency and remote work programmes amid global talent mobility trends.

Learn more

Media mentions

Personnel Today: Sponsor Licence Revocation: What HR and Mobility Leaders Need to Know

Partner Rajiv Naik, Senior Manager Thomas Kingsmill and Manager Ko Ito highlight rising UK sponsor licence revocations and how HR and mobility leaders can manage the impact.

Learn more

Media mentions

Reuters: Financial Firms to Feel Outsized Impact From Trump's H-1B Overhaul

Partner Bo Cooper discusses the $100,000 H-1B fee and its impact on financial, banking and technology firms relying on international talent.

Learn more

Media mentions

CNBC: Europe’s Work-Life Balance a Key Talent Draw as Trump Revamps H-1B Visa

Partner Louise Haycock highlights how the UK's immigration system and Skilled Worker visa changes support employers in planning talent pipelines.

Learn more

Media mentions

The Wall Street Journal: Tech’s H-1B Debate: Is Trump’s New Fee a Solution or Setback?

Partner Audrea Golding explains how the $100,000 H-1B fee could affect hiring across the tech industry.

Learn more

Stay in touch

Subscribe to receive our latest immigration alerts

Subscribe

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Our firm

  • About
  • Careers
  • Firm Governance
  • Media Inquiries
  • Recognition

Information

  • Attorney Advertising
  • Legal Notices
  • Privacy Policies
  • UK Regulatory Requirements

Have a question?

Contact Us
  • LinkedIn
  • Youtube
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • Twitter

© 2025 Fragomen, Del Rey, Bernsen & Loewy, LLP, Fragomen Global LLP and affiliates. All Rights Reserved.

Please note that the content made available on this site is not intended for visitors / customers located in the province of Quebec, and the information provided is not applicable to the Quebec market. To access relevant information that applies to the Quebec market, please click here.