The UAE offers a Visit Visa for individuals wishing to visit the country, which serves multiple purposes such as visiting relatives, travel, exploring job opportunities, and more. Now, as per the latest news reports, immigration authorities have intensified inspections and screenings at UAE airports to detect individuals arriving on a visit visa with the intention of seeking employment.
If reports are to go by, several passengers from Kottayam and Idukki districts in Kerala were detained at the airport due to inadequate travel documentation. These inspections commenced at Kochi and Kozhikode airports in Kerala. Following the detention of passengers in the UAE, the scrutiny process has become more rigorous. At Cochin International Airport alone, over 20 passengers were barred from boarding flights recently.
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Similarly, up to five individuals are denied travel daily at Calicut International Airport. Consequently, approximately 30 passengers in Kozhikode had to cancel their travel plans.
Reportedly, airlines are also strictly enforcing regulations requiring tourist visa holders to possess hotel reservation documents and 5,000 dirhams (approximately INR 1.3 lakh) for expenses. Many passengers arriving with only a visa and air tickets were unable to board flights and were refused travel even after providing visa details, contact information, and addresses of relatives or friends in the UAE. Those whose trips were canceled received no refunds or opportunities to reschedule and endured lengthy waits at the airport before returning home.
An airline official informed that they received directives regarding hotel booking documents and a 5,000 dirhams buffer, in addition to visas and return tickets. Guidelines stipulate that airlines will be held accountable for passengers lacking proper documentation upon arrival in the UAE, with fines of 5,000 dirhams per passenger imposed. These stringent measures, a first for airports, require passengers to carry or have access to 3,000 dirhams (approximately INR 68,000) for a one-month visa and 5,000 dirhams for a longer stay, with credit cards meeting these limits also accepted.
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Immigration authorities in Dubai have issued guidelines for visitors on tourist visas:
1) Airport officials will have to inquire about the purpose of the visit, accommodation arrangements, and available funds for expenses. Inadequate responses may result in passengers being detained.
2) Visitors on tourist visas are prohibited from engaging in employment, with travel and recruitment agencies forbidden from promising job opportunities.
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3) Visitors on employment visas must complete visa procedures upon entry, enabling them to work legally.
4) Visitors engaging in tourist activities should provide information on their hotel accommodation, return tickets, and available funds.
5) Visitors visiting friends or relatives may be asked for copies of their hosts' visas and passports, along with contact details and accommodation information.
