This is the second in our series of GCC updates, focusing on new developments in UAE immigration, personal data and Emiratisation rules.

New Visa Types

1. At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, a number of UAE businesses had employees who returned to their home country or simply relocated overseas to continue working remotely during periods of lockdown. In light of the ease with which many employees in the UAE were able to work remotely, we have seen an increasing number of requests from those wanting to live and work in one country for the benefit of a company in another. Many employers in the UAE have agreed to, or are considering, overseas remote working arrangements, primarily as a means of hiring or retaining the talent they need, and this has now been recognised by the immigration authorities in the UAE with the availability of a number of new visas, including:

– Green visa – This visa allows holders to sponsor themselves for five years, thus eliminating the need for a UAE national or employer to sponsor their visa. Under the provision of this visa, individuals may also sponsor family members, including spouses, children and first-degree relatives. The residency given to family members will be the same as that of the original visa holder. There is also now a longer grace period of six months for individuals under this visa to stay in the UAE after the residence permit is cancelled or expires.

– Freelancer visa – This is a new federal visa for self-employed workers...

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