The Council of Ministers issued three resolutions, which came into force recently, to facilitate the entry and residence of students and their counterparts of tourists under the age of 18 to the State, thus strengthening the State as a leading and attractive educational and tourism front.

As of today, the Federal Authority for Identity and Nationality (FIDA) will exempt foreign tourists who are under the age of 18 from tourist visas until September 15, according to a decree issued by the Council of Ministers.

The exemption, which includes significant facilities and incentives, includes children and girls within the specified age group, provided that they are accompanied by one or both parents coming to the country under tourist visas, regardless of the validity of the visa, whether short or long.

By virtue of a second decision, outstanding students studying abroad who wish to move to the UAE can apply for a long residence permit for a period of five years, according to the conditions and regulations stipulated.

The award granted facilities for outstanding students with at least a 95 per cent grade in public secondary school in public and private schools and at least a cumulative average grade of 3.75 GPA upon graduation at the university, both within and outside the country, granting five-year residence Renewable and five years for the family of the person concerned, renewable. Under a third decision, the Federal Commission for Identity and Nationality began issuing a one-year residency from mid-last month, which was renewed following the completion of an additional year for dependents after completing their university or secondary education or 18 years of age.

The residence of this group of members of the society shall be issued as of the date of graduation of the guaranteed son in the university, or the general secondary school certificate or the legal age, within the framework of the integrated system of visas and residence in the state approved by the Council of Ministers.

The guardian no longer needed to apply for his son under the humanitarian case, which previously required the deposit of a security deposit of AED 5,000, where he can apply under the standard procedures for issuance of residence or renewal of the children and a fee of AED 100 for one year, Renewal of another year.

The Board of Directors affirmed that the Council of Ministers' decisions effectively contribute to enhancing the UAE's position on the global competitive ladder, increasing its economic and social attractiveness, and enhancing its regional leadership in these two fields due to its ideal environment for investors and capital and for innovators and thinkers looking for opportunities. , And the appropriate environment that enables them to reflect their ideas and creations, and turn them into reality.

The facilities also help to support the UAE's competitiveness as a leading destination in the field of family tourism, attracting visitors and families from around the world to enjoy its historical, heritage, leisure and scenic beaches, as well as world class hotel and tourism services as well as sporting, artistic and family events. Throughout the year.

Children are exempt from visa fees and must be accompanied by their parents.

Tourist visas

Tourists can apply for tourist visas through the application of the Federal Authority for Personal Identity and Smart Citizenship (ica uae echannels), in the category of "Family Tourism Visa" or its website www.ica.gov.ae through the "Smart Channels of Residence and Nationality" (Emirates Airline, Etihad Airways, Flydubai, Air Arabia) and licensed travel agents provided that tickets are purchased through their offices and hotels in the UAE provided they comply with their hotel reservation. The Authority issues two types of tourist visas, short (30 days), with a fee of 200 dirhams per visa, and can be extended twice for 30 days at a time. 90 days, with a fee of AED 550 and can be extended twice for 30 days at a time, while the visa extension fee is AED 600 for each extension.