UNITED ARAB EMIRATES: Process Changes in Abu Dhabi and Dubai Creative Clusters Authority

November 7, 2017


The Dubai Creative Clusters Authority (DCCA) free zone has removed the Internal Visa Transfer option for foreign employees transferring to a new employer within the DCCA.

Employees in this situation now need to use the “Government Transfer” option, which requires a medical test (unlike the Internal Visa Transfer option).

Meanwhile, in Abu Dhabi, the original Emirates ID of the sponsor is now required in support of visa applications for dependent family members.

The immigration authorities scan the original Emirates ID to check whether the sponsor is currently out of the country, and reject the application if the sponsor is not in the UAE at the time of application submission.

Our Advice

Employers of foreign nationals transferring from another employer within the DCCA should allow time for the applicant to undergo a medical test.

Sponsors of dependent visa applications in Abu Dhabi should ensure that they are in the UAE at the time the application is submitted.

For advice and information on immigration to the UAE in general, please email us at [email protected].

This information was provided by our sister company, Peregrine Immigration Management.