Member News

United Arab Emirates
25 March 2022 – UAE Remote Working Visa Scheme Implemented
Foreign nationals seeking to work remotely for their employer can now obtain a Remote Working Visa which allows them to stay anywhere in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for up to one year and work for their overseas employer.

The Remote Working Visa scheme was first announced in March 2021, but it was not open to applicants until now. However, individuals could previously and continue to be able to benefit from a similar program, with slightly different eligibility requirements, which was launched in Dubai in October 2020.

The Remote Working Visa applicants are not subject to a sponsorship requirement in the UAE (or a local employment contract); instead, they must have worked for their current home country employer for at least three months prior to the submission date of the visa application.

The applicant must earn a minimum salary of USD 3,500 per month (or equivalent in a foreign currency), must have health insurance valid for the UAE, and must provide a confirmation letter from the employer that they have no objections to the applicant working remotely from the UAE, among other conditions.

Foreign nationals can apply for the Remote Working Visa in-country or from outside the UAE through accredited typing centres (this option is currently available in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi) and online. The government fee is approximately USD 81 (excluding medical examination and Emirates Identity card fees) and the expected processing time is 5-7 days. Holders of the Remote Working Visa may sponsor residence permits for their dependents.

Saudi Arabia
08 March 2022 – Entry Restrictions and Quarantine Requirements Now Lifted

The General Authority of Civil Aviation in Saudi Arabia issued a circular lifting all travel and entry restrictions as well as testing and quarantine requirements which were imposed in the Kingdom due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to the circular and with immediate effect, flights to, and from Afghanistan, Angola, Botswana, Comoros, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Mauritius, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, Seychelles, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe, are no longer suspended; all travellers regardless of their vaccination status are exempt from COVID-19 testing requirements and quarantine procedures upon arrival in Saudi Arabia.

In addition, the authority reiterated that all travellers on a visit visa must carry a mandatory health insurance covering the costs of the COVID-19 treatment for their entire stay in Saudi Arabia.

Middle East and North Africa
01 April 2022 – Government Operating Hours During Ramadan Announced
Government offices across the Middle East, North Africa and parts of Asia have announced their operating hours during the month of Ramadan, which may affect processing times for all immigration applications due to the reduced hours. Foreign nationals and employers should expect processing delays.

United Arab Emirates:
The month of Ramadan will begin on April 2 and Government offices will operate Monday to Thursday 9am - 2:30pm and Friday 9am - 12pm.

Qatar:
The month of Ramadan will begin on April 2 and Government offices will operate Sunday to Thursday 9am – 2pm.

Saudi Arabia:
The month of Ramadan will begin on April 2 and Government offices will operate Sunday to Thursday 10am – 3pm.

Oman:
The month of Ramadan will begin on April 2 and Government offices will operate Sunday to Thursday 9am – 2pm.

Kuwait:
The month of Ramadan will begin on April 2 and Government offices will operate Sunday to Thursday 9:30am – 2pm.

Bahrain:
The month of Ramadan will begin on April 2 and Government offices will operate Sunday to Thursday 8am – 2pm.

Jordan:
The month of Ramadan will begin on April 3 and Government offices will operate Sunday to Thursday 10am – 3pm.

Egypt:
The month of Ramadan will begin on April 2 and Government offices will operate Sunday to Thursday 9am – 2pm.

Morocco:
The month of Ramadan will begin on April 3 and Government offices will operate Monday to Friday 10am – 3:30pm.

Lebanon:
The month of Ramadan will begin on April 2 and Government offices will operate Monday to Thursday 8am to 12:30pm and closed on Friday.

Tunisia:
The month of Ramadan will begin on April 3 and Government offices will operate Monday to Thursday 8am - 2:30pm and Friday 7am - 1pm

Pakistan:
The month of Ramadan will begin on April 2 and Government offices will operate Monday to Thursday 10am to 3:30pm and Friday 10am - 1pm.

Iraq:
The month of Ramadan will begin on April 2 and Government offices will operate Sunday to Thursday 8am to 1:30pm.

Iraqi Kurdistan:
The month of Ramadan will begin on April 2 and Government offices will operate Sunday to Thursday 8am to 1:30pm

ABOUT FRAGOMEN
Fragomen is the world’s leading single-focus provider of immigration services and support. Our firm is comprised of law practices and immigration consultancies that work together to support our clients across all regions globally. At Fragomen, we leverage our collective immigration experience to offer clients targeted and trusted solutions that help them achieve their local, regional and worldwide business goals.
Fragomen’s team of dedicated immigration professionals has extensive experience in working with multinational businesses, local employers, start-ups and individual investors. We have a deep understanding of the region and maintain strong professional relationships with immigration authorities. Our MENA immigration team is supported on a global basis by over 3,800 immigration professionals in more than 50 offices worldwide. Together, we provide comprehensive immigration support in over 170 countries.
All we do is immigration, a sole focus that makes a considerable difference. Unlike many other providers, all of our thinking, passion and resources are dedicated to improving the immigration experiences of our clients and their employees. We have the track record, region specific experience and know-how to provide you with a streamlined and compliant immigration solution.

Visit our website www.fragomen.com or contact us at [email protected] to learn more about our company and services.