Picture for illustrative purposes only. ARCHIVE

In a significant shift to its visa policy, the UAE has expanded its visit visa sponsorship rules to include friends and relatives up to the third degree, while also introducing new minimum salary requirements for hosts. Under the revised regulations announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) on Monday (September 29), expats can now act as guarantors for friends and up to third-degree relatives, provided they meet stipulated income thresholds. If the visitor is a second- or third-degree relative, the host must earn at least Dh8,000 per month. For those wishing to sponsor a friend — a new category in visa sponsorship — the monthly income requirement rises to Dh15,000. This change complements earlier rules that require only Dh4,000 per month to sponsor a first-degree relative, a figure that remains in effect. Here are the new income requirements for sponsoring friends and relatives: • First-degree relatives: The guarantor or host must earn at least Dh4,000 per month. • Second- or third-degree relatives: The guarantor or host must earn at least Dh8,000 per month. • Friends: The guarantor or host must earn at least Dh15,000 per month. Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, said the revisions were based on “careful studies and forward-looking assessments” taking into account feedback collected from engagement councils, customer service platforms, and other stakeholder inputs. He emphasized that the changes “consider humanitarian and economic circumstances” while aiming to boost the UAE’s competitiveness, support technology sectors, improve quality of life, and align the nation’s visa framework with evolving global trends. ALSO READ: UAE introduces 4 new visit visas The expanded sponsorship provision is part of a broader set of visa reforms launched by the UAE, which include new visit visa categories for specialists in artificial intelligence, entertainment, events, and maritime tourism, as well as the introduction of a humanitarian residence permit, among other adjustments. These rules are expected to open new pathways for foreign residents to bring extended family and friends into the country more easily — but only if the host meets stricter income conditions. CAM/Expat Media
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