United Arab Emirates: Update on Discontinuation of Residence Visa Stamp Endorsement
April 20, 2022
UAE authorities have implemented the process which employs the Emirates Identity Card as the only proof of residency status. Previously, foreign nationals received UAE Residence Visa stamps in their passports as proof of residence status. Now, the Emirates identity card will serve as the sole residency document. This new regulation will eventually benefit all categories of residence permit applicants, but for now, only individuals in select jurisdictions can benefit from this streamlined process. This includes employment residence permit applicants in the Jebel Ali Free Zone in Dubai, whose original passports are not required for the visa sticker endorsement. Instead, their residence permits are issued electronically. This new update implies that the original Emirates Identity Card is a requirement for international travel for foreign nationals. The electronic version of the residence permit will not be sufficient to enter or exit the United Arab Emirates. Extended waiting times for appointments (currently up to five weeks) for collecting biometrics necessary for the issuance of the Emirates Identity Card continue to delay the process for obtaining the card and make it difficult for some foreign nationals to travel internationally. To expedite the process, select free zones in Dubai, including the Jebel Ali Free Zone and Dubai International Financial Centre, are exploring the option of opening their own centers to issue Emirates Identity Cards. Further details related to this development are expected to be announced in the coming weeks.
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].
Explore more at Fragomen
Fragomen news
Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.
Media mentions
Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.
Blog post
Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.
Blog post
Director David Iannella discusses Fragomen Germany’s approach to outbound immigration solutions and how the office supports global mobility through visa services and compliance expertise.
Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung discuss Saudi Arabia’s push for corporate transparency through new ownership disclosure rules.
Video
In this video, we share an overview of Fragomen's posted worker compliance solutions.
Blog post
Partner Jo Antoons and Managers Sara Fekete and Andreia Florina Ghimis explore how digitalization is reshaping European compliance programs and share how organizations can prepare with Fragomen’s support.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik examines how the UK’s industrial strategy and immigration reforms will reshape talent access and create new opportunities for HR and mobility teams.
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding discusses recent changes requiring most H-1B visa holders and certain dependents to complete in-person interviews abroad for visa renewals.
Podcast
Partner Cosmina Morariu and Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi are joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Program Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries, to explore Canada’s EMPP.
Blog post
Director Johannes Kgotso Tiba explains the legal process and key considerations for individuals seeking to regain South African citizenship after renunciation or loss.
Fragomen news
Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.
Media mentions
Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.
Blog post
Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.
Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.
Blog post
Director David Iannella discusses Fragomen Germany’s approach to outbound immigration solutions and how the office supports global mobility through visa services and compliance expertise.
Blog post
Corporate Services Manager Asfandyar Sheikh and Assistant Corporate Services Manager Ka-Ying Leung discuss Saudi Arabia’s push for corporate transparency through new ownership disclosure rules.
Video
In this video, we share an overview of Fragomen's posted worker compliance solutions.
Blog post
Partner Jo Antoons and Managers Sara Fekete and Andreia Florina Ghimis explore how digitalization is reshaping European compliance programs and share how organizations can prepare with Fragomen’s support.
Media mentions
Partner Rajiv Naik examines how the UK’s industrial strategy and immigration reforms will reshape talent access and create new opportunities for HR and mobility teams.
Media mentions
Partner Audrea Golding discusses recent changes requiring most H-1B visa holders and certain dependents to complete in-person interviews abroad for visa renewals.
Podcast
Partner Cosmina Morariu and Business Immigration Manager Ayana Ibrahimi are joined by Lara Dyer, Chief Program Officer (Americas) at Talent Beyond Boundaries, to explore Canada’s EMPP.
Blog post
Director Johannes Kgotso Tiba explains the legal process and key considerations for individuals seeking to regain South African citizenship after renunciation or loss.