Latest news with #Citizenship
Time Out Dubai
9 hours ago
- Business
- Time Out Dubai
7 Dubai visa changes you need to know in 2025
It's no secret that Dubai is one of the best places in the world to live and visit. In the past year, the emirate has introduced a number of new Dubai visa changes and initiatives to make it easier to extend your stay, visit the city and even move with a long-term residence visa. Whether you're interested in moving to Dubai or are looking at extending your stay, it's always worth knowing about the latest visa news. Here's what you need to know. The Blue visa has launched The 10-year blue visa has officially been launched (Credit: Canva) First announced in May of 2024, the blue visa was only officially launched in February 2025. Holders can get The blue visa is a 10-year residence visa aimed towards people who have made a significant positive contribution to the environment inside or outside the UAE. It will be given to supporters of environmental action, including members of international organisations and companies, global award winners, distinguished activists and researchers. The visa is an extension of the highly sought-after UAE golden visa system and the green residency permit which have both been in place for some time. After launching in February, applicants across the world will have 24/7 access to the blue visa service on the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. Nurses to get golden visas Hamdan bin Mohammed issued directives to grant golden visas to nursing staff employed with Dubai Health who have served for more than 15 years. The decision comes in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community and their crucial role in advancing the quality of… — Dubai Media Office (@DXBMediaOffice) May 12, 2025 The highly sought-after golden visa has been granted to nurses in Dubai. Granting holders a 10-year residence, the golden visa is awarded to those who work every day to make Dubai such a great place to live. To coincide with International Nurses Day, observed annually on May 12, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Defence of the UAE issued a directive to grant nurses golden visas. Nursing staff who have served Dubai Health for more than 15 years will be issued with the long-term residency visa in recognition of their invaluable contributions to the community. The nursing golden visa rewards those who have played a crucial role in advancing the quality of healthcare services in the emirate. Influencers to get golden visa help The Creators HQ in Dubai will help people get a UAE influencers golden visa (Credit: Canva) If you're a content creator then you could be in line for a special long-term residency in the UAE. The influencer golden visa has been rolled out following the 1 Billion Followers Summit in January 2025. Influencers, photographers, writers and more content creators who push the boundaries of creativity and innovation are able to apply via the newly established Creators HQ. The Creators HQ will assist up to 10,000 online personalities with getting their hands on a long-term residence permit. Criteria for applicants to qualify include a proven track record of impactful or creative work and strong potential for contributing to the UAE's creative community. New AI-assisted Dubai visa application Dubai has introduced a new AI-powered digital platform which will make it easier and quicker to renew Dubai visas. Salama will allow people living in the emirate to renew their existing Dubai visa within minutes. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs launched the platform on Monday February 24 to improve the efficiency of government services. Available services include renewing and cancelling the residency of sponsored persons and finding the answers to questions. Dubai visa rules expanded for Indian nationals Indian nationals are now able to get a visa-on-arrival in Dubai and the rest of the UAE following an expansion to the visa rules. Indian passport holders with valid residency permits from Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Singapore and South Korea will now be able to get a visa upon entry at all UAE ports including Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central. Previously rules were expanded to allow Indian nationals with valid European Union, United Kingdom and United States of America permits to also obtain a UAE visa-on-arrival. It means that there is now much less hassle for Indian travellers coming to Dubai. Golden visa for teachers introduced The golden visa is now available to educators (Credit: Adobe Express) Announced on Saturday October 5 in 2024, World Teachers' Day, educators are now able to get their hands on a golden visa. It is available to exceptional educators who have demonstrated outstanding performance and made significant contributions to Dubai's private education sector. Applicants need to meet a certain set of criteria to qualify including success in raising the quality of education at institutions they've worked at and having a positive impact on the wider educational community. The full set of criteria can be found on the Knowledge and Human Development Authority site. It's quicker to get a work visa The work bundle changes outlined (Credit: Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security UAE) Introduced in summer of 2024, the UAE work bundle means it's now quicker to go through the process of applying for a visa. As part of the government's plan to eliminate bureaucracy, the application process has now been reduced from one month down to five days. Previously you needed 16 documents to apply for a residency visa but now you need just five. Life in Dubai In pictures: Dubai then and now See just how much the city has changed through the decades UAE public holidays All the details on the official public and private sector holidays here New restaurants in Dubai that you need to visit right now From casual eats to fine dining, there's bound to be a new venue you'll want to try
CairoScene
2 days ago
- Business
- CairoScene
Iranian Nationals in UAE Exempted From Visa Overstay Fines
The ICP-led initiative waives fines for Iranians in the UAE amidst travel disruptions caused by regional tensions, suspended flights, and closed airspace. Jun 18, 2025 The UAE has announced the waiver of visa overstay fines for all Iranian nationals currently in the country—covering both residents and visitors—regardless of visa type. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) confirmed the exemption applies as a response to the "exceptional circumstances" arising from regional disruptions, including flight suspensions and airspace closures. Issued under the directives of President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the measure aims to alleviate the financial burden on Iranians unable to leave the UAE due to these travel challenges. Eligible individuals are required to register through the ICP Smart Services platform or visit any Customer Happiness Centre to claim the waiver. The exemption will remain in effect until December 31st, 2025.
Straits Times
2 days ago
- General
- Straits Times
Forum: Building a safe and supportive learning environment for our students
We thank and agree with Ms Sujatha Nair's Forum letter 'Policy alone not sufficient to tackle school bullying' (June 12). Fostering safe and supportive learning environments for all students, where ground practice matches policy, remains a key priority in our schools. Our schools endeavour to implement a whole-of-school approach to create a caring and nurturing environment that supports all learners, including students with special educational needs (SEN). We are also committed to fostering an inclusive environment for students with SEN. Preventive, educative and restorative measures are adopted to address bullying incidents. Through the Character and Citizenship Education (CCE) curriculum, students learn to be empathetic, sensitive, and respectful to one another. They learn to appreciate individuals who are different and not stereotype these individuals. This learning extends beyond the classroom through co-curricular activities, Values-in-Action programmes and community activities, where students, including those with SEN, can interact meaningfully. School rules and disciplinary frameworks are regularly communicated to students, including guidance on how to report bullying and hurtful behaviour through safe channels, and when to alert teachers. Teachers are trained to foster positive classroom culture, identify students in distress and proactively address hurtful behaviour. They are supported by experienced school staff and school counsellors to manage bullying incidents and facilitate relationship restoration. All schools have a peer support structure in place, with peer support leaders who are trained and equipped with skills to provide social-emotional support to their peers, refer peers for help, or alert teachers where needed. SEN officers are also trained to implement interventions like the Circle of Friends to create opportunities for meaningful friendships for students with SEN and their peers to foster mutual understanding and support. As highlighted in The Straits Times article 'Can you bully-proof your child?' (May 25), parents also play a crucial role in shaping their child's character through role-modelling positive behaviour and fostering respectful interactions. When a child faces challenging situations including bullying, parents' emotional support helps reinforce pro-social values and develop healthy coping skills. The Ministry of Education and our schools will continue to work with parents and the community to create a safe and supportive learning environment for all students. Albert Chia Director, Psychological Services Branch, Special Educational Needs Division, Ministry of Education More on this Topic Forum: What readers are saying Join ST's Telegram channel and get the latest breaking news delivered to you.
Time Out Abu Dhabi
2 days ago
- Business
- Time Out Abu Dhabi
The UAE has activated the emergency airport response plan
The United Arab Emirates has approved an emergency response plan following the suspension of multiple flights across the country. Steps have been taken to ensure the safety and smooth movement of passengers at UAE airports without compromising service quality. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security immediately approved its emergency business continuity plan as the regional situation unfolded. The plans provide greater operational flexibility as several routes from the UAE have been cancelled or suspended – from Zayed International Airport, Dubai International Airport, and Dubai World Central to Sharjah International Airport. Potential disruptions to travel, following airspace closures by some nations, have been minimised by the authority's emergency response plan. Credit: Abu Dhabi Airports A streamlined system for passenger entry into UAE airports has been put in place and direct guidance is being provided to passengers by support teams. The ICP has coordinated with airlines in the UAE to facilitate flight rescheduling for those affected by travel disruption. Stranded passengers have been assisted with temporary accommodation, logistical services and accurate information. The plan includes close coordination with all operational entities to address the fallout from recent regional developments that led to the airspace closures. Passengers have been commended for their cooperation and understanding during the 'exceptional regional circumstances.' The authority also reiterated its commitment to undertaking all necessary measures to guarantee the security and safety of all travellers. UAE visa overstay fines waived for Iranians The UAE has also announced that Iranian citizens currently in the UAE are exempt from paying overstay fines, regardless of their visa type. This applies to both residents and visitors and aims to 'alleviate the burden on individuals who have been unable to return to Iran due to airspace closures and flight suspensions.'
Gulf Insider
2 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Insider
UAE Waives Visa Fines for Iranians
The UAE has announced a waiver on visa fines for Iranians currently in the country. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced the exemption of Iranian citizens currently in the UAE from all overstay fines. This applies to both residents and visitors, regardless of their visa type. The measure is a direct response to the exceptional circumstances in the region, aiming to alleviate the burden on individuals who have been unable to return to Iran due to airspace closures and flight suspensions. While reaffirming its dedication to humanitarian considerations and its commitment to providing comprehensive support to all residents and visitors in the United Arab Emirates, ICP calls upon those eligible for this exemption to register via the ICP Smart Services Platform or visit any customer happiness centre in the country. Also read: UAE Ranked 5th in Global Competitiveness Ranking; Cabinet Reviews $1.4tn Trade Success
