UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – Dubai Free Zones Revert Back to Physical Visas
After experiencing issues coordinating Dubai’s new electronic entry visa system with the Dubai Airport, all of the Free Zones have since reverted back to the previous process of physically issuing visas. All visas and employment permits are affected by this change but only slight changes in procedures are expected. Foreign workers must arrange to have their entry visa sent to their office or if courier service is not offered, must arrange to physically pick up the visa from the Free Zone Immigration Office. Courier service is not offered in the Dubai Airport Free Zone, Dubai Silicon Oasis, and Dubai World Center. In case the employee is out of the country, the entry visa must be delivered to the airport prior to the employee’s arrival in Dubai. Processing times should not be affected as a result of this change.