Visit visa holders in the United Arab Emirates do not need to leave the country when changing the status of their visa to a residency permit, according to Gulf News.
Under the resolution 377 of 2014, visa-holders of all types can modify the status of their entry and residency permits while staying in the country, said Brigadier Dr Rashid Sultan Al Khadar, spokesman for the Naturalisation, Residency and Ports department at the Ministry of the Interior.
Applicants will then be able to apply amendments to their visa status electronically without having to leave UAE.
In the past, if a person in holding a visit visa in the UAE happens to find a job, he or she will have to exit the UAE to update his or her residency status. Likewise for spouses of residents or anyone who wish to amend the terms of their entry permits.
Brig Al Khadar denied media reports that one-month visit visas will be granted an extension and clarified that people who come on one-month visit visa, transit visa or tourist visa can immediately apply for another visa once they leave the country.
He said the change seeks to save time and effort for applicants.
“Companies and visitors should submit their applications to renew the status of their permits before they expire to avoid any violations,” he said, adding that “people can refer to any of the immigration offices or ports of entry in the UAE for the services”.