Visitors to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have historically been able to apply for a visit visa extension while in the country. This is no longer the case.
The Khaleej Times has reported that according to travel agents, there is no longer any way to extend a visit visa without leaving the country. Previously, people were not required to leave the country due to Covid-19.
According to Abu Dhabi and Dubai travel agents, the extension of UAE visit visas without leaving the country has been discontinued.
"Today, we were informed by the immigration department that visit visa extension without exiting the country has been stopped," a Dubai-based travel agent told the Khaleej Times.
With this in mind, now could be an excellent opportunity to start looking to switch to a legal mainland freelance visa solution if you want to stay for an extended period in the UAE.
When considering a more extended stay in the UAE, it is essential to ensure that your visa status is up-to-date and suited to your requirements. A visit visa can only be used for short-term stays, such as holidays or business trips, and will expire after 60 days. If you plan to stay in the UAE for longer than this, consider changing your visa status to that of a freelance visa. A freelance visa allows you to stay in the UAE for up to two years and work as a freelancer on projects within the UAE. It also gives access to many of the benefits available only to those with residency visas, such as healthcare and education facilities.
Additionally, as a freelance visa holder, you can work for yourself in the UAE and take advantage of more generous taxation rates than those available in other countries. Ultimately, changing from a visit visa to a freelance visa is an excellent way to ensure that you can continue your stay in the UAE for extended periods.
When considering whether or not to change your visa status, it is essential to thoroughly research the requirements and consider how long you plan to stay in the UAE before making a decision.
Ensure you understand the process and any associated costs before applying for a freelance visa. Additionally, it is essential to note that you must meet specific criteria to be approved for freelance access. Once your application has been accepted, you can reap the benefits of this advantageous visa status.
Speak to Easy Freelance today for a free consultation about getting your residency and staying in the UAE for extended periods using our freelance work packages.
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