Visit visas continue throughout year

Jeddah, Jun 27: Family visit visas will continue to be issued throughout the year without any interruption, an informed source at the Directorate General of Passports said. Renewal of such visas will also be possible in accordance with the rules laid down by the government, the source added.

“The total duration of visit visas will be six months and those could be extended in accordance with prior coordination with the Foreign Ministry.”

The source said if the visa was issued by the ministry for a duration of one month, its renewal will be every month and if it is issued for three months it will be renewed every three months.

The source explained: “The visa renewal and extension is done through a unified electronic system for all nationalities and individuals and there is no exception for any specific category — like those born in Saudi Arabia or elsewhere. The extension can be done throughout the year through the ‘Abshir’ service of the Interior Ministry.

“If a visitor overstays the allowed period, he/she will be subjected to financial penalties, according to the law,” the source said.

“If a visitor overstays his visa for the first time, he will be fined SR15,000 followed by deportation. However, if the violation is repeated by the same visitor, the fine will increase to SR25,000 and three-month jail followed by deportation. In case of a third violation, the fine would be doubled to SR50,000 with six-month jail and deportation.”

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UAE announces new 10-year Blue Residency Visa. Details here

News Network

May 17,2024

The United Arab Emirates has announced a 10-year Blue residency visa for individuals who have made exceptional efforts and contributions to protecting the environment.

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who chaired the Cabinet meeting at Qasr Al Watan in Abu Dhabi formally approved this.

He said the move comes in line with implementing the directives of President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who had announced 2024 as the Year of Sustainability.

The Blue visa will be granted to individuals championing sustainability and the use of modern technologies in promoting the circular economy, and other relevant fields.

Sheikh Mohammed said the sustainability of our economy has become linked to the sustainability of our environment, and our national directions in this area are clear and consistent.

He also approved the National Youth Agenda, among several initiatives, instructing the Minister of Youth to prioritise five key areas: empowering youth economically, developing their scientific skills, reinforcing their national identity, enhancing their community contributions, and activating their role in representing their country on the international stage.

CEO of Artificial Intelligence

The Cabinet has approved the introduction of the post of CEO of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in all major federal entities, in line with the UAE's strategy to strengthen its position in AI.

“Today, we approved the introduction of the CEO of Artificial Intelligence role in all major federal entities, as part of the UAE’s strategy to solidify its position in the field of artificial intelligence,” the Vice President said.

The initiative aims to facilitate the integration of AI tools within these institutions, further advancing the transition toward a new era driven by cutting-edge technologies across federal entities.

University rankings

The Cabinet also endorsed a new framework for categorising higher education institutions across the nation. The forthcoming national rankings will assess over 70 higher education establishments based on the quality of their education, the employability of their graduates, the strength of their scientific research, and their collaborations with international scientific institutions.

The unveiling of these university rankings marks a significant stride in elevating the calibre of our higher education system and fostering transparency. It empowers families to make informed decisions, selecting the most suitable and exemplary educational pathways for their children,” Sheikh Mohammed said.

“During the meeting, we were updated on recent advancements in our national space sector, with our national cadres now comprising 38 per cent of personnel engaged in global space projects. Additionally, expenditure on space research has seen a 14 per cent increase."

"Our commitment remains steadfast in guiding our youth towards promising and pioneering sectors while safeguarding our environment and adopting leading international technologies within our government. Concurrently, we are dedicated to enhancing our higher education systems, ensuring a brighter future for our youth,” Sheikh Mohammed added.

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